Karnataka forest department in a joint operation with a wildlife body has rescued a seriously injured sloth bear from the outskirts of Bangalore after poachers used explosives to try and kill the animal.
Wildlife SOS said that an explosive device was used by poachers and it exploded inside the bear's mouth, causing severe fracture to its jaws with bones getting embedded into the skull.
"The bear is currently critical and is undergoing medical treatment at the Bear Rescue Centre run by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department," it said in a statement.
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After getting an emergency call day before yesterday, the rescue team rushed to the spot. The animal was in excruciating pain.
Upon close examination, the veterinary doctors discovered that the bear had sustained severe internal injuries that were caused by a country made explosive device concealed inside a food bait, the wildlife body said.
Cricketer Yusuf Pathan also visited the bear rescue centre and commended the rescue effort.
"This crude explosive method is often used by poachers to kill wild boars and others. These crude, locally made bombs are concealed inside food baits and curious wild animals are tricked into biting into them.
"The result is often devastating and causes the head or mouth parts to explode, leaving the animal to die a slow and very painful death while waiting for the poachers to retrieve their prize," it said.
