Bear kept in a cage in Mohankhal, Pokhri. Awakening
Vijay Joshi, Jagran: Dehradun: These days there is a fear of bears in the mountainous areas of Uttarakhand. Incidents of bear attacks are coming to light every day. At many places bears are also being imprisoned in cages. The forest department team has captured the black Himalayan bear, which was causing panic in the Pokhri area of Chamoli district, in a cage and brought it to Dehradun.
He has been released into a secure enclosure at the zoo, where his temperament and behavior are being constantly monitored. The bears wandering in the mountains in search of food are enjoying the apples and guavas in Dehradun. Cucumber, carrot and apple are also included in his diet.
According to Dr. Pradeep Mishra, senior veterinarian of Dehradun Zoo, the bear is completely calm and behaving normally. He is being given fruits and vegetables, of which he likes guava the most.
This black Himalayan bear, about five and a half feet tall and weighing about 110 kg, is healthy, although there may be a tendency to attack in self-defense if it suddenly sees humans. The zoo administration is currently preparing to keep the bear here for a few days.
His diet and daily routine are being regularly monitored. Also, adequate arrangements have been made for the bears' rest in the night shelter. However, the bear will not be opened to tourists in the zoo.
Got permission from center to remain in Doon
There are already plans to keep a black Himalayan bear in Dehradun Zoo, but permission will be taken from the National Zoo Authority for this. If permission is granted, the bear brought from Pokhri can be kept here permanently.
Bears are moving to villages due to lack of sufficient food
Experts believe that Himalayan bears living in high altitude areas are not getting enough food, due to which they are coming towards villages in search of food. During this time, human-bear conflict is increasing.
According to senior veterinarian Dr. Pradeep Mishra, it is clear from the incidents so far that bears are attacking in self-defense, not considering humans as food, but considering them a threat. Wildlife experts also believe that climate change can be a major reason for this problem.
In the mountains, natural food for bears like oak seeds, ringal leaves and other flowers is not available in sufficient quantity. As a result, bears are moving towards low-lying areas and populated areas, leading to increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict.
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