The brown bear is a globally endangered animal species. It has been placed under protection by several international conventions, Bulgaria’s EU Treaty and its national legislation. The bear’s main habitats are also protected. Some of these fall within the territories of the Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan national parks.

In accordance with European legislation, Bulgaria implements a Brown Bear Action Plan, which defines measures for the conservation of the species and for harnessing the support of people living close to its natural habitats.

Hunting brown bears is forbidden by Bulgarian law. By way of exception, the law allows for several bears to be culled annually, only after they have officially been proven to be problem animals. Poaching is punishable by a fine of up to BGN 5,000 (€2,500).