COIMBATORE: Anti-poaching watchers and forest guards, along with other forest officials, launched a search on Monday, to locate a bear and its cub, which were spotted roaming at Press Colony at Periyanaickenpalayam.
A resident spotted the bear with its cub near the residential area inside the Press Colony on Monday evening and informed Periyanaickenpalayam forest officials. A team, led by Forest Range Officer Palanirajan rushed to the spot. The search started at 6.30 pm on Monday and lasted till 11 pm. It continued on Tuesday as well.
“We are yet to lift the pugmarks and are continuing our search to ally fear among the residents. We don’t want to stop the search without confirming the presence of the bear and its cub,” said Palanirajan.
The forest staff carried a lit torch during night patrolling so that the bear could come out and the staff could easily identify the animal. “Once we spot the animal we will take further steps after discussing with the higher officials,” said Palanirajan
This is the first time that the forest officials are engaged in a search regarding a bear scare inside Press Colony. Earlier, there have been incidents where the forest staff have chased away wild elephants, which had entered near residential areas in the same location.
“The panchayat authorities should clear the bushes, which have grown up in large numbers over decades inside our colony. There is also a high possibility that the animals might hide during the day time and come out during evening,” said one of the residents. “More than 60 houses are vacant and are open for decades and these houses could also be safe hiding place for the animals. However, the authorities concerned are also not bothered about the safety of residents, the resident added. The locals feel that the entire problem would be solved only when the bushes are cleared.