A VIDEO showing what appears to be a sun bear wandering through a residential neighbourhood in Gerik has gone viral on social media.
The sighting caused concern among residents, with claims that the wild animal had entered several nearby housing areas.
Did this happen as claimed?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) confirmed receiving complaints about sun bears intruding into residential areas in the Gerik district.
Perak Perhilitan director Dr Pazil Abdul Patah said the initial complaint was received on Sept 9 involving Taman Raflesia, followed by a series of new incursions reported in nearby locations.
"Subsequent complaints were recorded on Sept 12 and Sept 16 at Kampung Air Panas, followed by incidents on Sept 18 and most recently on Sept 28 at Kampung Ulu Kenderong.
"The presence of the wild animal has caused anxiety and disrupted public peace because it was spotted roaming the vicinity," he told Bernama on Saturday (Oct 3).
Earlier, a 26-second video clip went viral on TikTok showing a sun bear wandering through a residential neighbourhood.
Pazil said the department has not received any reports of property or crop damage caused by the wild animal to date.
He said Perhilitan has taken proactive steps by maintaining continuous surveillance at affected locations and setting special traps to capture the bear. — Bernama
