Sloth Bear Rescued in Daring Operation in Gondia

A sloth bear was rescued by forest officials and local authorities after it wandered into a residential area in Gondia, Maharashtra. The bear, first spotted by a fire brigade staffer, took shelter in a Zilla Parishad building. It was tranquilised and safely released in the Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve.

In a nerve-wracking early morning operation, forest officials and local authorities successfully tranquillised and rescued a sloth bear that had ventured into a residential area in Gondia, Maharashtra. The bear was initially spotted around 5 am in the Ganesh Nagar locality by a vigilant fire brigade staffer.

The animal sought refuge in the building of the Zilla Parishad, causing local residents to gather in increasing numbers. Promptly, forest officials alongside the Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) from Navegaonbandh and Sakoli were mobilised for the rescue effort.

After a tense three-hour mission, the bear was tranquillised and safely relocated to the buffer zone of the Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve, a wildlife official confirmed. The incident took place in a densely populated area, reminiscent of a similar occurrence a few years ago when a blackbuck was seen roaming in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)