REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BENGKULU -- A group of sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) have reportedly been trespassing into local plantations in the Talang Giring Village of Seluma District, Bengkulu Province. A team has been sent to the village after reports from local residents on the rampaging sun bears, Asikin, head of the Natural Resource and Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of Seluma Resort, Bengkulu Province, said here on Monday.

About a month ago also, local residents had reported that some sun bears were roaming in the village and local plantations. "Our team that was deployed a month ago did not find any trace of the bears. Now we have received the second report," Asikin said.

Local residents reported that four sun bears were roaming in their rubber plantations. "Last week, some bears came to our plantation," Aceng, a local rubber farmer said.

The sun bears were reportedly rampaging the plantations and damaging farmer posts in the area. "Farmers are afraid to get closer since bears can also attack humans," Aceng said.

The animals were believed to be seeking food in the village, having been driven from their natural habitat. Previously, there was a report of a sun bear roaming in a local plantation in West Sumatra Province.

The sun bear was rescued on Tuesday (Dec 13) after being trapped in a wild boar snare in a plantation in Batuang Balirik, Pasaman District. The owner of the plantation Rici (32) was surprised to find a sun bear trapped by the snare he had installed to catch wild boars and reported the matter to the local authority.

The sun bear was tranquilized before it was released from the snare. The right foreleg of the bear, estimated to weigh 40 kg, was injured by the snare. Due to the injury, the bear has been kept at the BKSDA office of Pasaman for treatment.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika