Bear caught in hunters trap

Atmakur (Kurnool): Water bodies in Nallamala forest have dried up because of the prevailing drought-like conditions. In search of water wild animals, especially bears, are venturing out and entering villages resulting in conflict between man and wild animals.

Recently, the bear population multiplied to over 70 in the tiger sanctuary. One of such bears that stepped out of the forest, weighting about 180-kg, was on Tuesday found caught in the trap that the hunters had laid in fields near Amalapuram. The animal tried in vain to free itself free from the trap and writhed in pain as the noose immobilised it.

Atmakur Divisional Forest Officer Selvam and Flying squad divisional forest officer Babita along with the staff members took steps to rescue the animal throughout the night. An animal rescue van has been requisitioned. With the help of a tranquilizer gun the animal was sedated and later released near a water body in Ramayakunta base camp.

Earlier, a bear got trapped at Indireswaram in Nagaluti range. Last year, two bears ventured into two villages and frightened the villagers. Annually, it has become a regular feature for the bears get trapped near villages. There are allegations that some of the rangers are giving a secret burial to the trapped animals without actually taking it to the notice of the higher authorities of the forest department. According to residents of Amalapuram, movement of hunters from north India are spotted near the village.