Sajanagad: People of Khairabani under Nilagiri sub-division in Balasore district were panicked Friday when a bear strayed into the village and kept on moving for hours.
Villagers informed forest officials, who launched an operation to capture the animal. The forest officials tried to chase the animal for three hours but could not succeed in driving it away. Nilagiri ranger Debendra Patra then sent a special squad from Similipal sanctuary to the village.
The animal was tranquilised. After its health was checked by veterinary doctors at Nilagiri forest officer, the bear was released in Kuladiha sanctuary in the afternoon.
PNN