Anantnag, Oct 13 (GNS): Panic gripped Zalan-Gam village of Kokernag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district after a black bear entered a shop and got trapped inside.

Reports reaching GNS said that locals immediately alerted the Wildlife Department, following which a joint rescue operation was launched by Wildlife Department, Control Room Achabal and J&K Police.

Officials said the operation was carried out under the supervision of Wildlife Warden South, with Range Officer Bringi Valley and the team from Control Room Achabal rushing to the spot. Personnel from Police Station Kokernag also assisted in crowd control and coordination.

The wildlife team assessed the situation and took all precautionary measures to ensure safety of locals as well as the animal. The bear was later tranquilized and safely rescued from the shop.

After successful rescue, the animal was shifted to a safer location away from habitation and released into its natural habitat, officials said.

The timely and coordinated action by the Wildlife Department and Police ensured the rescue ended without any injury to the bear or locals, bringing relief to residents.(GNS)