Srinagar, Dec 3,: A bear, first sighted inside the Kashmir University campus, has triggered alerts across several localities on the outskirts of Srinagar after being repeatedly spotted in areas including Soura, Habak, NIT and Nigeen over the past few days, prompting the Wildlife Protection Department to advise people to remain vigilant.
An official from the Wildlife Department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the animal has been primarily seen during the evening hours and is believed to be moving through different parts of the city’s outskirts under the cover of darkness. During the daytime, however, the bear has remained untraceable.
“The bear has been observed mostly in the evening hours. During the day, it hides somewhere. Our teams are alert and deployed in suspected locations,” he said.
The official said that despite sustained search operations for several days, field teams have not come face to face with the animal so far. “We have not physically sighted the bear during our operations. So far, its movement has only been confirmed through CCTV footage installed in various localities,” the official said.
Authorities are yet to determine whether the sightings involve a single bear or more than one animal. “At this stage, it is not clear whether it is one bear or multiple bears. Investigation and tracking are ongoing,” the official added.
In view of the situation, the Wildlife Department has urged the public to remain alert, especially during evening and night hours, and avoid venturing into isolated or poorly lit areas. People have also been advised to inform the department immediately if the animal is sighted in any locality. [KNT]
