Sun Bear Enters Settlement in Pelalawan, Riau BBKSDA Responds

The Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), through its Kerumutan Tengah Resort team, has taken follow-up action regarding the appearance of a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) in Kerumutan Village, Kerumutan District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau. The BBKSDA Riau team previously received a report from the Kerumutan village head concerning the bear’s presence near residential areas. On 30 May 2026, as a measure to address potential human-wildlife conflict, a box trap was installed. Based on field monitoring, the sun bear was successfully captured in the trap on 19 June 2026. Head of the Riau BBKSDA, Supartono, stated that an examination of the animal found no injuries or defects. The animal was also observed to be active, aggressive, and displaying strong wild instincts, leading the team to decide on its release into a habitat far from human settlements. The evacuation process was carried out in collaboration with the local community, village officials, and the Bhabinkamtibmas. BBKSDA Riau has appealed to the public not to take any actions that could endanger themselves or the wildlife, and to immediately report any future sightings of sun bears near residential areas to the authorities. Through integrated mitigation efforts, it is hoped that the potential for human-wildlife conflict can be minimised while preserving the sun bear as a protected species.