Rescued Sun Bear Returns to the Wild Following Entrapment in Aceh Jaya

RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh - A female sun bear has been successfully returned to her natural habitat in Aceh Jaya after a swift rescue and rehabilitation effort led by the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA).

The bear, a protected species known scientifically as Helarctos malayanus, was previously discovered struggling in a wild boar snare set in a resident’s plantation in Gunung Buloh village, Panga Subdistrict. Following a recommendation from veterinary experts who declared the animal fit for survival, authorities moved quickly to ensure her release.

"The BKSDA team and partners have released one female sun bear into her habitat in Aceh Jaya Regency," Aceh BKSDA Head Ujang Wisnu Barata confirmed in Banda Aceh on Monday, June 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The rescue mission began on Thursday, June 4, when local residents alerted the Aceh Jaya Conservation Resort to the bear’s predicament. Upon arrival, officers found the bear, estimated to be five years old and weighing 56 kilograms, caught by her front left paw.

A specialized medical team from the BKSDA, supported by the Syiah Kuala University (USK) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and local partners, was immediately dispatched to the site. The responders stabilized the animal and addressed the trauma caused by the wire trap.

"When found, the animal was snared on its front left paw and had a wound from the trap. The team cleaned the wound with antiseptic, and administered vitamins, antibiotics, and anti-parasitics," Ujang explained regarding the medical intervention.

Following a short period of observation to ensure the wound was healing and the bear’s mobility was unimpaired, the medical team gave the green light for her return to the forest.

"Based on the results of observation and medical examination, the bear was recommended by the veterinary team to be immediately released into its habitat," Ujang added.

In the wake of the incident, conservation authorities have issued a stern warning to the public regarding the use of snares. While often intended for pests like wild boars, these traps pose a lethal threat to endangered and protected wildlife that frequent plantation borders.

Ujang also noted that sun bears possess an exceptionally sharp sense of smell, which can inadvertently draw them toward human settlements. He urged residents to manage domestic waste and food scraps responsibly to avoid attracting the bears.

"Immediately report to the Aceh BKSDA Call Center at 0853628360240 if you see a sun bear approaching settlements, in an injured condition, or caught in a snare, for further handling by officers," the BKSDA chief concluded. ***