KUALA KRAI: The state Wildlife Department has successfully captured a sun bear and a panther in Kuala Krai and Gua Musang, respectively.
State Wildlife director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said that the female sun bear was captured at Kampung Sungai Pas, while the panther was apprehended at HR Plantation in Gua Musang.
The Kuala Krai wildlife office received reports about the sun bear roaming in Kampung Sungai Pas on Oct 31, followed by another report on Nov 2 regarding the panther, which was said to have attacked livestock in the plantation.
"In response to these reports, we set up two traps in the areas, and yesterday, both animals entered the traps," he said in a statement.
Mohamad Hafid said that both animals would soon be released back into their natural habitats.
"The capture of these wild animals has relieved many villagers, preventing further losses from crop and livestock damage," he said.
To mitigate future conflicts with sun bears, tigers, and other wildlife, he advised villagers, particularly gardeners and farmers, to take precautions such as avoiding entering smallholdings alone and maintaining cleanliness on their farms.