Bengkulu villagers warned about dangerous sun bears

Antara 21 Nov 10;

Bengkulu, Sumatra (ANTARA News) - People living in a number of villages in Seluma district, Bengkulu province, have been alerted about the threat of sun bears (ursus/helarctos malayanus).

The animals had a relatively small body but were among the most feared forest creatures, according to a conservationist.

"We have called on the people living near the dens of the bears to take precautions
when doing their daily activities. The ferocious beasts can attack suddenly, particularly when they feel disturbed," said Supartono of Bengkulu province`s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) here on Saturday.

The beasts are known to live around plantation areas at Dermayu, Sukaraja district, Seluma, their natural habitat on Sumatra island, said Supartono, adding that although they were among the most feared animals, sun bears were also the most protected wild life species.

The warning about sun bears had been communicated to the villagers, Supartono said, after some people reported to BKSDA they had spotted six bears roaming near human settlements. "These animals don`t easily attack, except if they are provoked," he emphasized.

Supartono said the villagers had been informed that when they see and meet a sun bear, they should make loud noises to drive them away instead of provoking them.

The appearance of animals such as bears and tigers around residential areas is an indication that much of the forested areas had been destroyed.

Sun bears are the only species of its kind living in Indonesia and the smallest of the world`s bears. It is found in forests from Burma and Thailand to Kalimantan and Sumatra. It has a black fur with a distinctive white triangle forming a "V" on its chest.

Although its body was relatively small, 1.10-1.40 meters in length and 22-65 kg in weight, the sun bear is among the most feared of the forest animals. Since this bear is shortsighted, it may suddenly come across a person at very close quarters and be startled.

When surprised, it will rise up on its hind legs and slash out in panic with its vicious, long, sharp claws and even the cubs can be as dangerous.(*)