This story is from November 22, 2015

Forest dpt likely to tranquilize sloth bear that delivered 2 cubs to shift it out

It has been more than ten days since the female sloth bear delivered cubs in an abandoned house in Aategaon village which is on the fringes of new Nagzira wildlife sanctuary.The bear moves out to feed in every two days or so but it is yet to leave the shelter.
Forest dpt likely to tranquilize sloth bear that delivered 2 cubs to shift it out
NAGPUR: It has been more than ten days since the female sloth bear delivered cubs in an abandoned house in Aategaon village which is on the fringes of new Nagzira wildlife sanctuary.The bear moves out to feed in every two days or so but it is yet to leave the shelter.
Though wildlife experts strongly recommended that the bear family should be left undisturbed for few more weeks, forest officials are now deliberating to tranquilize the mother bear and relocate them.
Range Forest Officer of Umarzari Sandeep Gaware said that he has sought permission from principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) to tranquilize the mother bear. “We have put up a camera at the entrance of the house and the bear has been photographed going in and out quite a few times. As there still remains a risk of man-animal conflict, we have asked for permission to shift it,” he said.
TOI has learnt that there has been a change in the attitude of villagers. “Initially, the villagers did not register the fact that they have to leave the bear and cubs by themselves. But after having talks with some NGOs, they have become aware and now avoid taking the route which leads to the abandoned house,” said a source from Aategaon.
However, honorary wildlife warden of Gondia, Sawan Bahekar said that as the mother bear can turn aggressive anytime, everyone must remain alert. After delivering cubs, the bear usually feels dull and weak for few days. But since it has started going out now, there are chances of animal attack if bear turns aggressive. The officials guarding the house must remember that first defence of a sloth bear is attack,” he added.
Bahekar also pointed out that relocating the family might not prove to be a good option. “When the bear gets conscious and finds itself in a new habitat, it might get confused and abandon the cubs,” he said.
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