Search for elusive bear called off

RAWALPINDI:

The search for an elusive wild bear was called off on Monday as Rescue 1122 and Wildlife Department officials failed to trace it despite hours-long efforts in Rawalpindi.

The furry creature, reportedly sighted near Bhatta Chowk disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving residents in a state of fear for the past three days. Both Rescue 1122 and the Wildlife Department have concluded their search efforts, but the wild beast's whereabouts remain unknown.

Reports emerged of a wild bear entering a residential area near the Bhatta Chowk area, falling under the jurisdiction of the Naseerabad police station. A security guard in the area captured a video of the bear on his mobile phone, and locals promptly alerted both Rescue 1122 and the Wildlife Department. Responding to the calls, rescue teams, along with wildlife personnel, conducted a two-hour search operation based on information provided by concerned citizens.

However, their efforts proved fruitless as the bear remained elusive.

A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 stated that despite extensive efforts, the bear could not be located, leading to the closure of the operation.

The wild beast’s mysterious disappearance has raised a lot of questions. Mohammad Hanif, a resident of Bhatta Chowk, expressed the ongoing anxiety within the local population, saying that three days have passed since the bear's presence was first reported.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2023.