Bear captured in Bandipora village

Bandipora, Nov 24: A black bear was captured alive in Arin-Dardpora village of north Kashmir's Bandipora district during a late-night operation on Saturday, officials said.

Wildlife official Tanveer Ahmad of Block Bandipora told Greater Kashmir that a wild bear had been roaming in the area for many weeks.

Its presence, he said, had created fear and panic among locals and in people living in adjoining habitations. "The Wildlife Department employees were camping in the area to capture the bear," Ahmad said.

"After weeks of persistent efforts, the bear was caught alive, tranquilised, and put in a cage," he added. Officials said the bear was then released to natural habitat, away from human population.