Pregnant bear rescued after 48-hr operation in Kishtwar

A pregnant black bear weighing over 300 kg was rescued from a fast-flowing mountain stream in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district early on Sunday, officials said.

The rescue operation, carried out by the Wildlife Protection Department, lasted 48 hours, after which the bear was released safely into its natural habitat, they added.

“The huge bear was spotted by villagers trapped in the fast currents of Dangar Nullah on Friday, and accordingly a rescue team was mobilised on getting the information,” said Range Officer, Wildlife Protection Department, Shafer Iqbal.

Iqbal, who supervised the operation, said the local Army unit and villagers actively participated in the rescue.

“The trapped bear was huge and weighed over 300 kg. The animal turned out to be pregnant, prompting the rescuers to complete the mission without using tranquillisers to avoid any harm to it,” he said. In another incident, Iqbal said a bear along with two cubs was seen in the Halyan forest area of Bhaderwah in Doda district and was safely driven back into the wild.