Bulgaria bear attack kills man near Sofia

A bear mauled to death a man in his 30s at Vitosha mountainous region near Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, according to authorities. The attack occurred Saturday afternoon near a road connecting two chalets in the northwestern part of the area, which rises to 2,295 meters (7,500 feet) and is about 30 minutes from Sofia.

Police confirmed the animal was a female bear accompanied by her cub, based on medical examiner and wildlife expert findings. Vitosha is a popular hiking destination home to wild animals including deer, wild boars, wolves, and around 12 bears. The last recorded bear fatality in Bulgaria was in 2010 in the Rhodope Mountains.

The incident highlights wildlife risks in popular tourist destinations. For Nigerian travelers planning outdoor activities in bear-inhabited regions, wildlife authorities recommend carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals, and never approaching wildlife with cubs.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/17/bear-mauls-man-to-death-in-bulgaria/