In connection with the increased cases of bears entering populated areas, a new protocol has been developed and officially approved, which regulates the actions of the competent institutions in such situations. The document was signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov, the Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov and the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov.
The new protocol creates a clear and coordinated order for response to the appearance of bears in urban areas. Since the current legislation does not allow the use or carrying of firearms in populated areas, the document is of key importance for legitimizing all actions to secure the area and drive away wild animals.
It provides a unified approach for the necessary actions that forestry structures, the bodies of the Ministry of Interior and the experts of the Ministry of Environment and Water must immediately take. These actions include notifying interested parties, patrolling the area, giving instructions to secure and expel the problematic individual or, if it has withdrawn, monitoring the area for up to 72 hours. The aim is to ensure the safety of citizens and the effective management of risky situations without endangering the lives of animals.
By signing the document, the three ministries are joining forces in response to the increased activity of bears during the autumn-winter season, when the animals are actively searching for food and the risk of entering populated areas increases.
The new protocol ensures rapid measures and better coordination between institutions, thus allowing the state to respond more effectively to emerging cases.