A Week On, Elusive Bear Turns Srinagar into Its Personal Playground – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: One week, dozens of wildlife officials, tranquiliser guns, cages, night-vision equipment, and yet, the wild bear spotted in Srinagar continues to remain the city’s uninvited, and apparently unbeatable, guest.

First sighted on November 26 near the University of Kashmir campus, the bear has since been graciously spotted roaming near SKIMS hospital, Nigeen, and now reportedly in Mughal Mohalla, Jan Mohalla, and Baghwanpora. Residents have taken to reporting sightings with the hope, apparently in vain, that someone might actually catch it this time.

“Officials have been chasing the bear for over a week. At night, more than 20 personnel are on the hunt, using all possible equipment,” said a Wildlife Department official. “During the day, over 10 staff members continue the pursuit. We are committed to capturing it safely.”

Yet, the bear seems to be enjoying its urban safari. CCTV footage captured it casually entering a residence in Nigeen after earlier being chased by a pack of stray dogs outside the KU girls’ hostel. One can almost imagine it tiptoeing past bemused residents, as authorities scramble to make every sighting count.

SKIMS and KU authorities have urged students, staff, and locals to remain vigilant, avoid isolated areas, and report unusual sightings immediately. “The safety of both people and the bear is our priority,” the official said, perhaps hoping the bear reads the news.

After a week of relentless pursuit, the bear remains untraced and undefeated, a living reminder of the unexpected challenges of urban wildlife management in Srinagar. Locals, meanwhile, continue to watch, report, and perhaps wait for the bear to check in on their neighborhoods next.

Residents are advised to stay alert, and maybe keep binoculars handy. (with additional inputs from news agency KNO)