site.btaLarge-Scale Raids Target Illegal Motorized Vehicles in Bulgaria’s National Parks

Authorities in Bulgaria have carried out a series of large-scale operations against the illegal use of snowmobiles and motorcycles in the country’s three national parks - Rila, Pirin and Central Balkan Range, in the past week. Several offenders were caught, the Environment and Water Ministry said Monday. The operations were conducted by park rangers with the assistance of the Interior Ministry.

Four offenders riding snowmobiles were caught near the Begovitsa Lodge in Pirin National Park.

On March 15, park officials in Central Balkan National Park identified five offenders in the Bukova Mogila area after repeatedly observing tracks from illegal entries by motorized vehicles. The group had been riding motorcycles along a route closed to motor vehicles under the park’s management plan. Two riders were detained on the spot, while three others fled the area before their identities could be established.

In Rila National Park, another operation lasted more than 10 hours on March 11 in the area around Mount Mechit. Offenders have been summoned to be handed statements of violation.

The use of motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, is prohibited in all three national parks, except in emergency forestry work or rescue operations. Officials said monitoring activities in mountain areas will continue, urging citizens to report violations to park directorates or through the national emergency number 112.