Gabrovo: Over 20 dead storks found near electric pole

More than 20 dead white storks have been discovered near Gabrovo, Bulgaria, all found beneath the same electric pole. Dr. Rusko Petrov of the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Center confirmed that a team has inspected the site following reports of increased mortality in the area.

Five fresh carcasses have been collected for veterinary medical examination to determine the exact cause of death and to confirm or rule out the possibility of electric shock. The findings will be shared with relevant institutions, including the Gabrovo Municipality, to initiate procedures for securing the electrical grid in the region. These poles are frequently used as resting spots by migratory birds.

Dr. Petrov noted that the deceased are young birds currently in migration, using Bulgaria as a stopover to regain strength before continuing south. He highlighted that this issue is not unique to Gabrovo, as similar reports of white stork deaths have been received from the Vâlchi Dol area in Varna. The problem affects various protected species, including eagles and kestrels, though storks are more easily recognized by the public.