A wild Asiatic bear created panic in the Doklongia Dekagaon area of Mariani in Jorhat district after straying into a residential area early Tuesday. The incident prompted a rescue operation by forest officials and wildlife experts that lasted nearly seven hours.
Bear Spotted Near Home
Residents were alarmed when the male bear was spotted around 5:30 AM, hiding among bamboo trees near the verandah of local resident Mukul Saikia's home. "We immediately informed the forest department and stayed indoors," Saikia said. Forest department personnel arrived swiftly, and a veterinary team from Kaziranga National Park was called in to assist with the operation.
Successful Tranquilization
The joint team tranquilized the bear around 1 PM, more than seven hours after it was first sighted. The operation was carried out without injury to the animal or any personnel involved. The bear was later taken for health assessment before being released into its natural habitat.
This incident highlights the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region, as habitats shrink and animals venture into populated areas. Forest officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any such sightings immediately.
