Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Dec 4 (JKNS): Wildlife authorities on Thursday intensified a large-scale search operation around the Nigeen Lake belt after a black bear continued to move through several urban pockets of Srinagar.
Teams equipped with drones and rescue equipment have been deployed to trace and safely capture the animal.
As per news agency JKNS, the bear was first spotted on Wednesday evening roaming through the Saderbal-Hazratbal stretch, causing public concern.
A day prior, it had entered the SKIMS Soura hostel campus, with videos circulating widely on social media.
Earlier sightings were also reported from the University of Kashmir’s girls’ hostel area and the compound of Mirwaiz Manzil, Nigeen, where CCTV footage confirmed its presence.
Wildlife teams are maintaining heightened vigilance and have urged residents not to move into isolated areas until the animal is safely captured.
Wildlife Warden, Central Kashmir division Parvez Ahmad Wani told JKNS that improperly discarded leftover food often thrown on roadsides or dumped in uncovered dustbins continues to attract wild animals into inhabited localities.
He said that people do not follow scientific waste disposal practices, resulting in increased movement of wild animals into residential areas.
He added that large stretches of unattended land in these localities also create natural shelters for wild animals.
“These animals need only two things food and shelter. In areas like Nigeen, Saderbal, Kantaer, and spaces near the Government School, with Lal Bazar on one side and habitation on the other, there is plenty of unattended land. This provides both shelter and food, increasing animal movement,” the official explained.
He said that teams have been called from various districts to strengthen manpower, and the entire area is being cordoned off. “At every strategic point where the bear’s movement has been noted, one team will remain positioned. Five to six teams will be working. They will continue until around 11 PM or midnight, and if there is any sighting, they will act immediately,” he stated.
He added that the bear has not been trapped yet because the teams have been tracking its movement patterns over the past several days. “Our teams are monitoring its routes, and we will trap and rescue it safely,” he assured.
The official also warned against the circulation of AI-generated videos online. “Some individuals have already been warned, submitted affidavits, and apologized. If AI-generated videos are circulated again, strict action will follow and FIRs will be lodged,” he said.
Appealing to the public, he said wild animals generally move during evening hours. “People should keep children and elderly family members indoors. Elderly individuals going to mosques should walk in groups, not alone. Please allow wildlife teams to do their job,” he urged.
He added that panic among people during sightings creates serious challenges for rescue teams. “Whenever a bear is seen, people start running or some even move towards it, making it difficult for our teams. (JKNS)
