Five Asiatic black bear cubs rescued

ITANAGAR, May 19: Five Asiatic black bear cubs rescued from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh over the past fortnight are now undergoing specialised care and rehabilitation at the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve, a facility jointly run by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Environment and Forests, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Two female cubs were the first to arrive after being discovered near agricultural fields in Sitang village on May 2. Officials from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary initially shifted them to the Mini-Zoo-cum-Rescue Centre in Roing for temporary care. The mother is suspected to have been poached. On May 8, the cubs were transferred to CBRC in the presence of Mehao DFO Mito Rumi, RFO Dr Kabuk Lego, and CBRC staff including ecologist Dr Subhasish Arandhara and veterinarian Dr Simu Balo.

Soon after, three more cubs were reported from Tawang district. According to officials, a female bear seen with three cubs in a forest near Sherbang village went missing, leading the cubs to stray into human settlements.

A male cub was found in Sherbang under Lumla circle, while two female cubs were rescued from villages in Dudunghar circle. Locals, unaware of legal restrictions, cared for them until forest officials intervened. The cubs were handed over to CBRC on May 11 by Tawang forest staff in the presence of CBRC manager Dr Panjit Basumatary.

All five cubs are now under the care of CBRC’s veterinary and wildlife staff, who aim to rehabilitate and eventually release them into the wild.

“With five new bear cubs, we’re intensifying our efforts in nursing, rehabilitation, and identifying acclimatization sites,” said Dr Arandhara. “Our team remains committed to preparing these cubs for survival in the wild while also monitoring two previously released individuals.”

Pakke Tiger Reserve DFO Satyaprakash Singh lauded the community response and inter-agency cooperation. “We deeply appreciate the care shown toward these young bears. Collective efforts are vital to ensure the survival of our precious wildlife,” he said.