DUNGUN: Around 1,300 residents of Kampung Durian Mentangau, near here, are on edge over the presence of a sun bear that has been roaming the village for the past two weeks.
The bear has even ventured onto the grounds of SK Durian Mentangau in search of food.
Kampung Durian Village Development and Security Committee, deputy chairman Mazlan Mansor, expressed concern over the increasing danger to residents.
“We’re especially worried at night when the bear is spotted near homes,” he told the media that included Bernama here yesterday.
He added that he himself had a close encounter with the bear on Jan 8 near an oil palm estate.
“With safety at risk, villagers are now extra cautious when leaving their homes after dark,” he added.
In response, Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has set up traps at the school and several other areas, with authorities actively monitoring the situation.
They believe the bear may have strayed from the nearby Bukit Gong Forest Reserve.
Farmer Osman Ismail, 66, reported a loss of RM1,000 after the bear destroyed several of his coconut trees.
“The bear ruined trees that were about to bear fruit. It’s a huge setback for me,” he said.
