Two bears attacked a tourist tent in a forested area above the Sofia village of Lokorsko, according to local authorities. The incident occurred overnight at approximately one kilometer past the end of the asphalt road toward the Dragunata locality, as wild animals approached and struck the campsite.
Details of the Lokorsko Bear Attack
The unexpected wildlife encounter unfolded near the village of Lokorsko, located in the Stara Planina mountain range. According to local authorities, the tourists were spending the night in a tent when the two wild animals closed in on their setup. Despite the severe stress of the overnight attack, the initial information confirms that no individuals sustained heavy injuries. Local officials are still working to clarify the exact circumstances surrounding the event.
Lokorsko Mayor Tsvetelina Gavrilova issued a public warning to residents and visitors regarding the incident, urging extreme caution throughout the area. The mayor’s alert specifically targets anyone planning walks, hiking treks, or outdoor overnight stays in this specific part of the mountain. Additional reporting from paragraf.bg notes that Mayor Gavrilova communicated the alert through the village’s Facebook group, confirming that a formal case had also been registered with the 112 emergency system for an attack on tourists.
Did You Know? Official monitoring data shows that Bulgaria’s brown bear population ranges between 300 and 500 animals, with estimates on Vitosha Mountain placing between 10 and 15 individuals in the area.
Safety Recommendations and Wildlife Risks
Following the overnight strike, specialists advise that individuals visiting bear habitats must avoid leaving food and waste near tents. The strong sense of smell possessed by these animals means lingering food odors can easily draw wildlife directly to a campsite. Furthermore, paragraf.bg reports that experts caution tents do not provide reliable physical protection against bears searching for sustenance.
When encountering a bear, authorities and specialists stress that people should never make abrupt movements or attempt to run away. Tourists should instead maintain distance, avoid feeding the animals, and walk away calmly whenever conditions allow. Experts interviewed in additional coverage emphasize that individuals must not shout, run, or throw objects at the animal, as aggressive reactions can provoke an immediate attack.
Broader Context of Bear Encounters Near Sofia
The Lokorsko incident marks another serious wildlife event near the capital region. Earlier reporting from paragraf.bg highlights several other notable wildlife cases across the country. On May 16, a 35-year-old man was found dead on a concrete path above the Ofeliihite hut on Vitosha Mountain, where an autopsy confirmed he fell victim to a bear and a small cub. Additionally, a bear destroyed 30 out of 47 beehives and approximately 150 kilograms of honey over seven consecutive nights at an apiary near the Asenovgrad village of Sinya Voda in August.
The Union of Hunters and Fishermen in Bulgaria has pushed for the culling of a portion of the bear population and the removal of the species’ protected status, though conservation groups strongly oppose these measures. Meanwhile, damage compensation claims for wild animal attacks in the Smolyan region alone surpassed 620,000 euros for the 2022 to 2026 period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the bear attack take place?
The incident occurred overnight in a forested area about one kilometer past the end of the asphalt road toward the Dragunata locality, above the Sofia village of Lokorsko.
Were any of the tourists severely injured?
Despite the intense stress of the midnight attack, there are no data indicating that the people involved suffered heavy injuries, though authorities are still clarifying the exact circumstances.
What safety precautions do authorities recommend in bear habitats?
Specialists advise keeping food and waste away from tents to avoid attracting bears with strong scents. In the event of a sighting, individuals should stay calm, avoid sudden movements or running, and distance themselves quietly.
What measures do you think local authorities should implement to better manage the growing overlap between wildlife habitats and tourist routes?