Riau BBKSDA sets up cage trap following Malayan Sun Bear sighting

According to identification results, the bear’s sighting location is in a private palm oil plantation area, far from the Kerumutan Wildlife Reserve conservation zone. Pekanbaru - The Riau Provincial Nature Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) has set up a cage trap to address a Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) sighting in the vicinity of Kerumutan Village residents in Pelalawan Regency. BBKSDA Riau Chief Supartono stated the trap was installed to prevent the bear from returning to residential areas. As of now, he said, the bear has not entered the cage trap set up by officials. ‘Field monitoring showed no further reports of the bear in residential areas since the initial sighting last night. As of Sunday (31 May) midday, residents had not reported any further sightings elsewhere,’ Supartono said in Pekanbaru on Monday. The wild animal was captured on video by residents on Friday (29 May) evening. It was seen behind houses and crossing residential roads. BBKSDA Riau officers are also coordinating with local authorities, village officials, and residents to monitor the bear’s movements. ‘According to identification results, the bear was sighted in a private palm oil plantation area far from the Kerumutan Wildlife Reserve conservation zone,’ Supartono explained. Supartono urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could endanger themselves or the protected wildlife. Those who spot the Malayan Sun Bear near residential areas are asked to immediately report it to officials.