Alleged bear poacher arrested

Black bear handed over to Islamabad wildlife dept for release into wild

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Wildlife Department arrested a man for allegedly attempting to sell a wild bear after hunting it in Gujar Khan on Friday.

The black bear was recovered from his possession and later handed over to the Islamabad Wildlife Department for release into the wild park.

The accused named Shaukat Ali was taken to the civil court where he was fined Rs10,000 for hunting and illegally keeping a bear in his possession. The court gave him a stern warning and issued release orders after the payment of the fine amount.

The Rawalpindi Wildlife Department has issued a red warning for poachers where it was stated that all the illegal poachers would be arrested and the wild animals and birds in their possession will also be confiscated, along with the imposition of heavy fines.

According to sources in the wildlife department, this year, the department has saved several wild birds and animals from poachers and released them into the forest.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2022.