BKSDA Releases Sun Bear Previously Trapped in Aceh Jaya

Based on the results of observations and medical examinations, the bear was recommended by a team of veterinarians to be immediately released back into its habitat. The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has released one individual Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) that was previously caught in a snare in a resident’s plantation in Gampong Gunung Buloh, Panga District, Aceh Jaya Regency.

The Head of BKSDA Aceh, Ujang Wisnu Barata, stated in Banda Aceh on Monday that the release of the protected wildlife occurred after the animal health team recommended that the sun bear’s condition was healthy and suitable for return to its habitat. “The BKSDA team, along with partners, released one female sun bear back to its habitat in Aceh Jaya Regency,” said Ujang Wisnu Barata.

Previously, officers from the Aceh Jaya Natural Resources Conservation Resort received a report of an individual caught in a snare in a resident’s plantation in Gampong Gunung Buloh, Panga District, on Thursday (4/6). Subsequently, a medical team from BKSDA, alongside a team from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Syiah Kuala University (USK) and partners, was deployed to the location. Upon arrival, the medical team evacuated and treated the bear.

“When found, the animal was ensnared around its left arm and had wounds caused by the snare. The team cleaned the wounds with antiseptic and provided vitamins, antibiotics, and antiparasitics,” he said.

Ujang Wisnu Barata noted that the sun bear is estimated to be five years old and weighs 56 kilograms. Once its condition was declared healthy, the bear was released into the forest area of Aceh Jaya Regency.

He stated that the sun bear is a protected species of wildlife. The public is urged not to set snares around plantations, as these areas serve as roaming territories for protected wildlife. He added that sun bears possess a sharp sense of smell; therefore, residents are advised not to dispose of food scraps or domestic waste near forest borders, as this may attract bears towards residential areas.

“Please immediately report to the BKSDA Aceh Call Centre at 0853628360240 if you observe the presence of sun bears approaching settlements, or if they are found injured or caught in snares, so that further handling can be conducted by officers,” concluded Ujang Wisnu Barata.