At the initiative of the Director of the Sofia Regional Police Directorate Chief Commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov, an interagency meeting was held with the participation of representatives from the Sofia Regional Police Directorate, the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Vitosha Nature Park, and Sofia Municipality regarding the incident that occurred on May 16 in the area of Vitosha Nature Park.

On May 16, a report was received via 112 regarding the discovery of a man’s body in the area of Vitosha Nature Park. Teams from the Sixth Police Precinct and the Emergency Medical Services Center were immediately dispatched to the site, where they confirmed the death of a 35-year-old man. An on-site examination was conducted in the presence of a medical examiner and a big game expert.

Participants in the meeting were briefed on the facts and actions taken so far, as well as on additional measures to ensure the safety of tourists and visitors to the mountain. Based on initial data and evidence from the inspection, investigators are working on the theory of a bear attack. The necessary expert analyses and actions have been commissioned to clarify all facts and circumstances.

Chief Commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov ordered the area to be secured through an increased police presence until all circumstances of the case are clarified. Until the investigations are completed and all circumstances are clarified, the authorities recommend that citizens avoid the area of the incident.

A decision was made to conduct a second inspection of the area with the participation of experts on large predators, as well as to use technical means to determine the presence of wild animals in the area.

According to expert data, there is a population of approximately 18–20 brown bears in the areas of Vitosha, Plana, and Verila. Other wild animals also inhabit the area, including roe deer, red deer, wild boars, and wolves. In this regard, the authorities remind citizens to follow basic safety rules when in the mountains, namely:

• travel in groups whenever possible;
• make noise while moving;
• do not leave food waste behind;
• avoid straying from marked trails;
• given an encounter a wild animal, do not make sudden movements or run away.

Brown bears naturally avoid contact with humans. The risk of aggressive behavior is possible during a sudden encounter, when cubs are present, or when the animal feels threatened. If you encounter a bear, it is recommended that you remain calm, speak in a steady tone, and slowly back away without making sudden movements.

The teams from the institutions extend their condolences to the family of the deceased.