Bear delivers two cubs in vacant Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra quarter

CHANDRAPUR: A female bear’s intrusion into a vacant residential quarter of the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) colony in Ballarpur has put the forest authorities on their toes.

The bear delivered two cubs in the residential quarter and forest officials have cordoned off the area for the safety of the bears and people.

The FDCM Colony is located adjacent to thick shrubby jungle in Ballarpur. Some forest labourers while clearing the shrubs around the colony heard strange roars from the quarter located on the fringe of the jungle. When they peeped through the window, they were shocked to find a full grown bear with two new born cubs.

They immediately informed the higher officials but the news spread like wildfire and a huge crowd gathered in the area to get a glimpse of the ‘new family’. Forest authorities deployed a posse of guards and forest labourers and sealed the area.

“The bear had sneaked into the quarter a few days ago and had found it safe for delivery,” said honorary wildlife warden Bandu Dhotre, who deployed his NGO activists to protect the bear and public.

Forest officers have ruled out the idea of rescuing the bear and her cubs. “We are not going to rescue or shift them to another place. The mother bear feels the quarter is a safe refuge, hence we will let her stay there until she herself decides to move out.

“We anticipate that the bear will move back into the jungle in a few days,” said Madan Kulkarni, DCF, Central Chanda forest division.

“Bears are generally furious animals and the ones with cubs are even more furious. Hence, people should not disturb them and stay away from the area,” Kulkarni said.