Sloth bear dies of suspected poisoning near Coonoor

Udhagamandalam: A female sloth bear, which was found suffering from fits near Sogathorai village in Coonoor taluk on Wednesday, died without responding to treatment. Forest officials suspect that the bear could have died after eating poisoned food.
Locals noticed that the sloth bear was unwell and informed forest officials, who reached the spot. “We immediately summoned veterinarians. But the animal could not be saved. The preliminary postmortem report suggests poisoning. We collected samples from intestine and vital organs of the bear and sent them to a forensic lab in Coimbatore. The bear might ate poison in the field,” Saravanakumar, assistant conservator of forests, told TOI

The forest department has booked a case under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
“We are questioning people in and around the area. The forensic lab has been asked to submit the report fast and an official is deputed to follow it up,” the official said.
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