Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: While forest officials were keeping a close watch for tigers in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, they were instead greeted with frequent sightings of bears. According to the trap cameras installed in the forest, multiple bears have been spotted, boosting the enthusiasm of the forest department.
Dalma DFO Saba Alam Ansari confirmed the sightings. “We have seen a significant number of bears in different locations. However, the exact count will be known only after the next wildlife census,” he said. The Census Report of 2022 recorded 21 bears, an increase from 19 in 2019 and forest officials believe the number may have risen further.
One of the key reasons for this increase in bear population is the presence of fruit-bearing trees planted across the sanctuary. Additionally, Katashni Mountain, which has natural caves, provides an ideal habitat for them.
Recently, the forest department also rescued a bear cub, which had strayed from its group and was tied up by villagers. Officials successfully released it back into its natural habitat.
While tiger sightings remain elusive, the growing presence of bears in Dalma reflects an improving ecological balance in the region.
