by-Shruti Prabhala
Tumkur, a district in the state of Karnataka, South India, is home to many endangered sloth bears. On 28th December 2014, Mr. Amarnath, District Conservator of Forests, came across a horrifying sight –a female sloth bear was struggling in a poacher’s snare on a private farm in Sira, Tumkur Division. As she frantically tried to free herself from the excruciating pain, Mr. Amarnath quickly alerted the Wildlife SOS Rescue team at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre. He realised, in her fear and anxiety the young female bear was worsening her situation.
While Mr. Amarnath guarded the female sloth bear, the team headed by Dr. A.Sha. Arun, Director-Research & Veterinary Operations – Wildlife SOS immediately rushed to her rescue. Upon reaching, they tranquilized the bear using a specialized dart gun. They also requested Mr. Amarnath to get help from the local police to keep the crowd away from the surrounding areas and also to make necessary transport arrangements for the bear to be removed from there. Once the bear was tranquilized, the Wildlife SOS rescue team proceeded to gently remove the wires of the snare which were cutting through the flesh. After effectively doing so, they carefully shifted her into the cage for further treatment.
The injured bear was meticulously examined and all necessary treatments were administered. The results cheered the team as it was confirmed that the female sloth bear was only just 3 years old and had suffered no major injuries. Dr. A.Sha.Arun commented, “We are pleased to see that the rescue operation was a success and the bear is safe with us. Apart from minor injuries, she is in good health and ready to be released back to the nearby forest.”
The same evening, the Wildlife SOS team proceeded to Bukkapattinam State Forest and released the sloth bear in the presence of the Bukkapattinam Range Forest Officer, Mr. Suresh.
The Anti-Poaching unit of Wildlife SOS “Forest Watch” is run with support from Humane Society International, Hauser Bears and One Voice. It helps monitor illegal trade in wild animals and their parts, mainly operating through a network of informers and decoys, assisting enforcement agencies across India with intelligence. To support our anti-poaching efforts, please donate by following the link: https://wildlifesos.org/donate.
