The Country of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country located in Southeastern Europe, occupying the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, and has a coastline on the Black Sea. The country’s geography is diverse, with a mix of mountainous terrains, fertile plains (such as the Danubian Plain), and a long coastline. The Balkan Mountains run laterally through the middle of the country, and the Rila-Rhodope Massif in the southwest contains the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala.

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with a rich history, having been founded in the 7th century. It is a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area. The capital and largest city is Sofia. The official language is Bulgarian, and the currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), with the country committed to adopting the euro in the future.

Wildlife of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is recognized as a European biodiversity hotspot, with its diverse habitats supporting a wide range of animal and plant species. Nearly a third of the country is forested, and there are numerous national and nature parks dedicated to conservation.

• Mammals: Bulgaria has a significant population of large carnivores, including brown bears (primarily in the Rhodope and Rila mountains), gray wolves, and golden jackals. Other notable mammals include red deer, roe deer, wild boars, and Balkan chamois. The European bison, a species that was once extinct in the country, has been successfully reintroduced.
• Birds: The country’s location along two major migratory routes (Via Pontica and Via Aristotelis) makes it a prime destination for birdwatching. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded in Bulgaria. Prominent bird species include various raptors like the eastern imperial eagle, griffon vulture, and Egyptian vulture, as well as waterfowl like Dalmatian pelicans and pygmy cormorants.
• Other Wildlife: Bulgaria’s varied climate and topography support a rich herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and an abundance of insect species, including over 200 species of butterflies. The endangered Mediterranean monk seal can occasionally be sighted along the Black Sea coast.

Hunting in Bulgaria

Hunting in Bulgaria is a well-established and highly regulated activity, attracting both domestic and foreign hunters. The country has a reputation for its organized hunting traditions and the quality of its game trophies.

• Regulations and Permits: A valid hunting license is required for all hunters. Foreign hunters can obtain a one-month license by providing a valid hunting license from their home country. They must also declare any imported hunting weapons at customs and have an import permit. Hunting is conducted in designated state hunting farms and reserves.
• Game Species: A wide variety of species are hunted, including:
  • Big Game: Red deer, wild boars, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and chamois.
  • Predators: Wolves and foxes can be hunted year-round under specific conditions. Hunting for brown bears is strictly limited and requires a special permit.
  • Small Game/Birds: This includes game birds like pheasants, partridges, quails, and woodcocks, the latter of which are particularly popular with international hunters due to their migratory routes.
• Hunting Seasons: Hunting seasons are strictly defined by Bulgarian law and vary for each species. For most big game, the season typically runs from early autumn to late winter. For most game birds, the season is from October to January.