DUNGUN, Mar 3: One of four bears sighted in the Felda Kerteh area near here was shot dead by a hunting party today.

The female bear was shot twice in the head after being found foraging in an area within Felda Kerteh 6 this afternoon.

The team, comprising National Parks and Wildlife Department and Rela personnel along with residents, found the bear's hiding place with the help of a search dog.



KILLED: The female bear which was brought down by the hunting party.

With three more bears believed still at large in the area, the team is continuing its operations to track the animals down.

The team also laid four traps in the areas they believe are frequented by the other bears.

The team felt it necessary to kill the female bear as it was dangerous and posed a threat to the locals.

The bear's carcass was brought to the Ketengah Jaya police post and then taken to the Kuala Berang veterinary office for an autopsy.

Last week, it was reported that 3,000 residents of Felda Kerteh 1, 4, 5 and 6 were worried about encountering bears that had damaged their crops.



TORN UP: Residents checking a tree destroyed by the bears.

Paka MP Zakaria Abdullah thanked the group on behalf of his constituents.

"I would like to advise residents to be careful, especially the children, not to go out in the hunting areas as they may disturb the bears that are still out there," he said.

The Wildlife Department director could not be reached for comment. - BH