Tahov, Mitov and Genov approve bear response protocol

Three Bulgarian government ministers have formalized a joint protocol addressing the growing problem of bears wandering into residential zones. Agriculture and Food Minister Dr. Georgi Tahov, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, and Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov approved the framework, which establishes coordinated response procedures among forestry agencies, police forces, and environmental specialists.

The agreement becomes particularly significant because existing Bulgarian law prohibits firearm possession within town and city boundaries, making official authorization essential for security operations involving wildlife. Under the framework, responding teams must alert relevant authorities, patrol affected locations, issue safety guidance, and either remove the animal or maintain surveillance for up to three days if it retreats.

Officials attribute the initiative to heightened bear encounters during fall and winter months when animals intensify food-seeking behavior near human settlements. The collaborative approach aims to protect residents while preserving animal welfare through swift institutional coordination.