Ganderbal, May 28: Panic and concern spread among tourists and local residents after a brown bear was spotted wandering in the Sonamarg area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday.
According to eyewitnesses, the wild animal was seen moving around open lawns and near several buildings in the famous tourist resort before later heading towards the upper forest region.
The sudden appearance of the bear created fear among visitors, while many people captured videos and photographs of the animal on their mobile phones. The clips soon went viral across various social media platforms.
Wildlife officials have appealed to tourists and residents to avoid approaching or provoking wild animals and advised the public to maintain a safe distance during such encounters.
Officials said the incident once again reflects the increasing movement of wildlife towards human habitations in the Sonamarg belt, an area known for the presence of Himalayan brown bears and several other wild species.(KNC)
