Maharashtra: Sloth bear enters residential locality in Gondia, forest guard injured during rescue operations

Representational image. File pic

The appearance of a sloth bear in a residential area of Gondia city in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region triggered panic among locals, prompting the Forest Department to launch a rescue operation. However, its personnel could not capture the animal.

According to the PTI, a forest guard was injured during the rescue attempt and was hospitalised, officials said. While briefing about the incident, they further asserted that the sloth bear was first spotted in the Ganeshnagar locality on Thursday night and in the adjoining Govindpur area on Friday morning. During the rescue efforts, the animal ran away and disappeared into the adjoining fields behind the Collector Office.

After the sloth bear was first noticed in Ganeshnagar, a forest department team, led by Assistant Conservator of Forest Vijay Dhande and Range Forest Officer Prashant Humane, rushed to the spot. The Rapid Response Team (RRT) was also called in, while a team of city police also reached the spot.

Heavy rains made the operation more complex

Curious onlookers also gathered in large numbers to witness the rescue operation. Rainfall increased difficulty for the rescuers. Taking advantage of the situation, the animal disappeared, they said.

However, the sloth bear was spotted early in the morning on Friday in the Govindpur locality. After being alerted, the forest team again reached the spot.

They further added, "The bear was found on the premises of the irrigation department's office. Heavy rains again made things tough for the rescuers," as per PTI.

During the rescue attempt, the animal even damaged the net and ran away. A forest guard, identified as Rajendra Gautam, suffered injuries during the rescue efforts and was admitted to the KTS Government District Hospital for treatment.

Even after trying for several days, the animal gave the rescuers the slip and disappeared. ACF Dhande, while briefing the media, said that the team is still monitoring the situation.

This was the second time in as many years when the sloth bear had strayed into the residential colony of Gondia City. The residents have demanded the forest officials take necessary measures to prevent such incidents, posing a threat to the humans.

(With inputs from PTI)