In a dramatic rescue operation last week, a Xizang brown bear was given a second chance at life in a remote corner of Sichuan Province. The endangered animal, a subspecies under second-class state protection, had become trapped in a deep, garbage-filled pit while foraging for food.
The incident unfolded in Dege County, where villagers alerted local authorities to the stranded creature. Police arrived to find the bear, frightened and exhausted, at the bottom of a four-meter-deep pit. Its repeated attempts to scale the steep, slippery walls had failed.
Recognizing both the danger to the animal and the potential threat it posed to nearby homes, officers acted swiftly. They evacuated residents and set up a safety cordon before devising a rescue plan. Together with local villagers, they crafted a makeshift ladder from sturdy logs.
The initial attempt was unsuccessful, as the panicked bear knocked the ladder aside. Undeterred, the team quickly built and secured a second ladder. This time, after a cautious inspection, the bear slowly and deliberately began its ascent. The tense moment concluded as the animal heaved itself over the pit's edge and bolted back into the surrounding forest.
This event highlights the increasing encounters between wildlife and human settlements in Asia's developing regions. It also showcases a positive model of community-based conservation. Following the rescue, authorities installed a protective fence over the pit opening to prevent similar accidents, balancing human safety with wildlife protection.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
