In a first-of-its-kind operation, the district forest department captured a bear and its two cubs simultaneously in Jindal’s Vidyanagar township near Toranagallu using an automatic mobile app-based cage locking system.
The bears had been roaming in the township for nearly 10 months, causing concern among workers, employees, and residents due to frequent sightings. Acting on this, forest officials launched a special operation and successfully trapped all three animals at once using the new technology, which allows cages to be locked remotely via a mobile app.
The operation was carried out as per standard operating procedures under the guidance of DCF KN Basavaraj. ACF Sharan Kumar, RFOs Syed Dada Khalandar and Manjunath, DRF officer Mohan, along with staff including Guruswamy, BFO Venkatesh, and Sridhar, participated in the operation. Veterinarian Dr Prakruti and members of Wildlife SOS NGO also assisted.
Following the capture, the bears were fitted with radio collars for monitoring and later released together into a suitable forest area as per instructions from senior officials.