Srinagar, Nov 28: Panic gripped the girls’ hostels of Kashmir University on Friday late evening after a black bear entered the campus, forcing students to remain indoors and prompting an emergency response by university authorities.
Eyewitnesses said the bear was first spotted near the Sadrabal side, walking along the footpath as stunned commuters looked on. A group of stray dogs reportedly chased the animal, following which the bear climbed an electric pole, jumped across a wall and entered the girls’ hostel area, sending students into panic.
University officials immediately rushed to the spot and informed the Wildlife Department for assistance. A rescue operation was launched to trace and trap the bear, which had by then moved beyond the main hostel blocks.
Chief Proctor Professor Imtiyaz told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the bear has crossed through the premises of the girls’ hostels and later disappeared into the adjoining area. “Students have been advised not to come out of their rooms until the situation is brought under control,” he said, adding that Wildlife team is on the job.
Bear sightings in and around Srinagar outskirts have increased in recent years, particularly during late autumn when wildlife descends towards human settlements in search of food. Areas surrounding the university have dense green patches and forested stretches, making them vulnerable to such incidents.
At the time of filing this report, efforts were underway to track and safely capture the animal. [KNT]
