Srinagar, Dec 25,: Panic and concern gripped parts of Srinagar after a bear was spotted at two different locations over the last two days, prompting the Wildlife Department to issue an alert and step up monitoring efforts.
According to officials, the bear was sighted yesterday within the premises of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences at Soura. The sighting caused temporary alarm among staff and attendants, though no injuries or damage were reported. Wildlife teams were immediately informed and began tracking the animal’s movement.
Today, the same bear was sighted again near the campus of the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, raising concerns about its movement through populated areas of the city. Officials believe the animal may be moving along green corridors and forest fringes close to residential and institutional zones.
The Wildlife Department Jammu and Kashmir said that teams have been deployed in the affected areas and cages have been installed at different strategic locations to safely capture the bear. Officials said efforts are underway to tranquilise and relocate the animal to a suitable forest habitat once it is secured.
Advising people to remain cautious, the department urged inhabitants living near Soura, Hazratbal and adjoining areas to avoid venturing out unnecessarily during late evening and early morning hours. People were also advised not to chase, provoke or attempt to photograph the animal, and to immediately inform authorities if the bear is sighted again.
Wildlife officials said such incidents tend to increase during winter months as bears descend towards lower areas in search of food. They said coordination with local police and district administration has been strengthened to ensure public safety until the situation is brought fully under control. [KNT]
