Panic gripped Srinagar as a Himalayan black bear was sighted at the University of Kashmir and later at SKIMS hospital, nearly 10km apart. Wildlife officials are deploying traps and drones to capture the elusive animal. Increased sightings are attributed to climate change and readily available food sources like garbage, disrupting hibernation patterns. File photo SRINAGAR: Over the past four days, a Himalayan black bear has been spotted nearly 10km apart at two premier institutions in Kashmir — University of Kashmir (UoK), Hazratbal, and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar’s leading tertiary-care hospital — triggering panic. The wildlife department has placed cages at key locations, deployed drones, and is reviewing CCTV footage to trap the animal.A Himalayan bear was first spotted Friday near the girls’ hostel at UoK. CCTV footage showed the animal being chased by dogs outside the varsity gate, before climbing an electricity pole and leaping into the campus near the hostel. A UoK official said two black bears had been seen near Hazratbal area that evening, and one of them entered the campus after being chased by street dogs. The animal was believed to be hiding in the Botany Department’s botanical garden, prompting a search by the wildlife department.On Sunday, the varsity declared the campus safe after wildlife officials completed a thorough search and found no trace of the bear.On Monday evening, the black bear was sighted inside SKIMS. CCTV footage captured the animal roaming in the institute. Wildlife officials placed a bear trap within the premises to capture it. Senior institute officials said a search is on, but the animal has yet to be found.A senior wildlife official said a Himalayan black bear, first spotted in Saidpora area, had travelled through several localities before entering UoK and later moving toward SKIMS. An operation was underway to track the animal, he said, urging citizens not to dispose of garbage in the open as it attracts bears.Bear and leopard sightings around Srinagar have increased in recent years, particularly in late autumn. Last month, a bear was seen entering Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, near the posh Gupkar Road that houses the residences of the CM and some cabinet ministers.Senior wildlife official Intisar Suhail said 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 said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNavy Chief Confirms India’S Third Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Soon“Both ‘Rs Must Remember Responsibility”: Bjp Slams Rahul, Renuka Over ‘Dog’ RemarksNo More Disruptions: Lok Sabha to Debate Electoral Reforms Next Week’Imran Khan’s Health Stable, But Facing Mental Torture’, Claims Sister After Jail VisitChina’s Condom Tax Shocks the World Amid Birthrate Drop as India Surges Ahead in Population RankingsPakistan Sparks Controversy With Expired Relief Claims As India Rejects Airspace Allegation StronglyCentre Signals Willingness to Discuss SIR, Asks Opposition Not to Set TimelinePakistan’s Adiala Jail To Open Gate To Imran Khan’s Sister After PTI Fury Forces Sharif, MunirRussia Confirms Su-57 Fighter Jets, S-400 Deal On Agenda Ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India VisitCapt Shubhanshu Shares What India Can Learn from ISS Successes123Photostories8 animals whose names start with the letter “S”Guava health benefits: 7 reasons why your daily plate needs this humble fruitExclusive – Bigg Boss 19’s Ashnoor Kaur addresses allegations of hitting Tanya Mittal during the task; bond with Abhishek Bajaj; says ‘There’s a platonic love between us’5 timeless quotes by Rumi that echo the true essenceof loveNature’s smartest travellers: 5 animals with homes on their backsFrom Cinnamon Tea to Methi Shots: 8 foods and drinks with proven heart benefitsShah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth: Actors who played both hero and villain in the same film9 lesser-known Biryanis from different parts of IndiaVictoria and David Beckham: Parenting secrets from one of the strongest celebrity couples5 shocking signs the ‘Universe’ is trying to send you a message (Don’t Ignore number 3!)123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCardi BIPL AuctionShedeur SandersDrake MayeGold Price PredictionImran Khan ProtestWWE Raw HighlightsIND vs SA 2nd ODI TimeTom BradySmriti Mandhana
SRINAGAR: Over the past four days, a Himalayan black bear has been spotted nearly 10km apart at two premier institutions in Kashmir — University of Kashmir (UoK), Hazratbal, and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar’s leading tertiary-care hospital — triggering panic. The wildlife department has placed cages at key locations, deployed drones, and is reviewing CCTV footage to trap the animal.A Himalayan bear was first spotted Friday near the girls’ hostel at UoK. CCTV footage showed the animal being chased by dogs outside the varsity gate, before climbing an electricity pole and leaping into the campus near the hostel. A UoK official said two black bears had been seen near Hazratbal area that evening, and one of them entered the campus after being chased by street dogs. The animal was believed to be hiding in the Botany Department’s botanical garden, prompting a search by the wildlife department.On Sunday, the varsity declared the campus safe after wildlife officials completed a thorough search and found no trace of the bear.On Monday evening, the black bear was sighted inside SKIMS. CCTV footage captured the animal roaming in the institute. Wildlife officials placed a bear trap within the premises to capture it. Senior institute officials said a search is on, but the animal has yet to be found.A senior wildlife official said a Himalayan black bear, first spotted in Saidpora area, had travelled through several localities before entering UoK and later moving toward SKIMS. An operation was underway to track the animal, he said, urging citizens not to dispose of garbage in the open as it attracts bears.Bear and leopard sightings around Srinagar have increased in recent years, particularly in late autumn. Last month, a bear was seen entering Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, near the posh Gupkar Road that houses the residences of the CM and some cabinet ministers.Senior wildlife official Intisar Suhail said 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 said.
