From then until 1999, observed individuals or found traces of the activity of species were periodically reported in different areas. The information comes mainly from local people, but evidence is lacking.
Only in winter 2002/2003 Balkani Wildlife Society team recorded traces of lynx in central western Bulgaria. Now it is known for certain that the species returnes to the country but additional, detailed and long-term studies are required.
In 2008 a project of Balkani for collecting samples for hair analysis and study of lynx was implemented. The presence of the species was proved in Western Stara planina , based on DNA analysis of hair (90% confidence).
Indisputable evidence for the presence of lynx are the pictures of 2 individuals made by photo traps in Osogovo mountain in 2008 and 2009.