Reports of bears near towns and villages are becoming more frequent, Bulgaria's environment ministry (MOEW) said in a Facebook post. The causes are complex, and one of the main ones is easy access to food. Anyone who sees a bear in a populated area should report it to 112.

A week ago, the Mountain Rescue Service of the Bulgarian Red Cross reported a bear near the middle station of the Simeonovo lift, next to the Severina hut. In late October, an animal was seen many times near populated places in the Kresna area.

Ministry experts say young bears get used to people. They can lose their natural fear and link the smell of humans with easy food.

The ministry advises people not to leave food waste in the open and to keep bins shut with lids, because the smell draws animals. People should not feed bears, especially young ones. Pets and beehives need protection, and rubbish dumps should have good fences to keep wild animals out.

If you meet a bear, the ministry says to stay calm, keep your distance and not take photos. Back away slowly without taking your eyes off the bear, and speak calmly so it knows you are not threatening it. Do not throw things at it, run or try to chase it off. Take the most care when there are cubs nearby, because the mother may react to protect them.

"It is important to remember that the brown bear is a natural part of Bulgarian nature," the post says. The ministry says its presence is "a sign of a well-preserved natural environment and working ecosystems". The Balkans are among the areas in Europe with preserved populations of bears and other large predators.