Bear that terrified Malappuram trapped in cage fixed in temple courtyard

MALAPPURAM: A bear that entered the residential area in Thelpara got trapped in a cage. The bear got trapped in the cage fixed in the courtyard of the Kurumba Temple in Thelpara. The forest department fixed the cage following the demand of the locals. There was a high fear of bear attacks here. The officials of the forest department reached the spot and took the bear to the Nedumkayam forest station.

Forest Minister A K Saseendran told the assembly that CCTV cameras on the forest boundary are not practical to track wild animals entering the forest. Wild animals can be seen only when they come within the range of the camera. Many animals are hidden in the thickets and other places. Human power is practical.

In areas adjacent to the forest boundary, the owners of private estates and plantations have taken steps to remove bushes. A recommendation for 20 forest stations has been submitted to the finance department. The minister clarified that Kasaragod, which does not have a forest station, will be considered first.

The Mission Food, Fodder and Water project has been launched to ensure water and food for wild animals during the summer. The minister also informed the assembly that 273 panchayats have been identified as wildlife conflict-affected areas.