It is no new that the Gangtokians have witnessed the Himalayan Black Bear in the urban locality of the capital. The Himalayan Black Bear falling under the schedule II of Wild Life Protection Act 1972 was spotted at Raj Bhavan colony in Gangtok last night.
Residents narrated the story of the bear being spotted around 10 PM who damaged many poultry farms in the colony. Later, the residents contacted the Wildlife SOS team for the rescue, to which the quick responsive team reached the spot to carry the rescue operation.
The rescue operation lasted for many hours and finally the SOS team of Forest and Environment Department successfully tranquillised the bear and trapped it.
Speaking to Sikkim Chronicle, Divisional Forest Officer (wildlife) Dechen Lachungpa detailed about the carried operation. She said “ this is not the rare incident that Himalayan black bear spotted in city or villages of Sikkim and there are so many factors responsible for the spotting of the rare species at the urban areas. Too much of urbanisation may be one of the many reasons,” she added. She also further informed that the trapped Himalayan Black Bear will be relocated at Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim.
The rescue operation was carried by forest officials and Sikkim Police.