SRINAGAR: Over the previous 4 days, a Himalayan black bear has been noticed practically 10km aside at two premier establishments in Kashmir — College of Kashmir (UoK), Hazratbal, and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar’s main tertiary-care hospital — triggering panic. The wildlife division has positioned cages at key places, deployed drones, and is reviewing CCTV footage to entice the animal.A Himalayan bear was first noticed Friday close to the ladies’ hostel at UoK. CCTV footage confirmed the animal being chased by canine outdoors the varsity gate, earlier than climbing an electrical energy pole and leaping into the campus close to the hostel. A UoK official mentioned two black bears had been seen close to Hazratbal space that night, and considered one of them entered the campus after being chased by road canine. The animal was believed to be hiding within the Botany Division’s botanical backyard, prompting a search by the wildlife division.On Sunday, the varsity declared the campus protected after wildlife officers accomplished a radical search and located no hint of the bear.On Monday night, the black bear was sighted inside SKIMS. CCTV footage captured the animal roaming within the institute. Wildlife officers positioned a bear entice throughout the premises to seize it. Senior institute officers mentioned a search is on, however the animal has but to be discovered.A senior wildlife official mentioned a Himalayan black bear, first noticed in Saidpora space, had travelled by means of a number of localities earlier than getting into UoK and later shifting towards SKIMS. An operation was underway to trace the animal, he mentioned, urging residents to not get rid of rubbish within the open because it attracts bears.Bear and leopard sightings round Srinagar have elevated lately, notably in late autumn. Final month, a bear was seen getting into Amar Singh Membership, Srinagar, close to the luxurious Gupkar Street that homes the residences of the CM and a few cupboard ministers.Senior wildlife official Intisar Suhail mentioned black bears hardly go into hibernation now. “The effects of climate change, characterised by less precipitation, mainly snow; coupled with the availability of food in the form of garbage dumps, improperly disposed kitchen waste, and left-out fallen fruit in orchards, have enabled bears to skip hibernation and remain active through the winters,” he mentioned.
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