BESTARI JAYA, 1 June: Effort is being carried out by the state government to return sun bear that wandered loose in April to their original habitat, the Sungai Karang Forest Reserve.
The female bear was discovered by the residents wandering around Kampung Batu 4, Sepintas, before being shot by a tranquilizer in April.
The Exco for Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth Wong, said that the bear is now being treated and monitored before being sent to the Tembat Forest Reserve in Hulu Terengganu.
He said that she wants it to be returned to the original habitat because it is the state government’s responsibility to protect the animal.
“The rapid development that is close to the forest reserve may have caused the animal to look for refuge for a day.
“So, we want it to be returned to its original place to be given protection from those responsible,” she told reporters after officiating the International Forest Day celebration today.
She said that she is working with the parties involved to ensure that such things do not recur.
Previously, the Department of Wildlife and National parks (Perhilitan) had to take dive days to track the bear that was reported to have been lost for about 50 kilometres.
Residents also complained that they had encountered the 70kg bear several times around the paddy fields.
NS
