AGAM - A sun bear reportedly reappeared in the Kelok 44 Agam area, West Sumatra which of course made residents and travelers worried.

Therefore, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of Agam Resort installed two box traps in Jorong Padang Galanggang, Nagari Matur Mudiak, Matur District, Agam, in anticipation of a confrontation between humans and bears as well as to evacuate the bears.

According to the Head of the Natural Resources Conservation Resort Agam, Ade Putra, the traps were set up yesterday on Monday (15/2/2021). The traps were set up together by the members of the village government and residents around the location where the bears appeared.

"The traps were installed because there were reports of bears reappearing at local lawns a few days ago on Sunday (14/2/2021)," said Ade, Tuesday (16/2/2021).

According to BKSDA records, said Ade, it was the seventh time the animal has appeared. Namely at Kelok 35, Kelok 42, Kelok 28, Jorong Sidang Tangah, Ambun Tanai, Nagari Bayur and Kelok 43 Jorong Padang Galanggang.

"Based on the results of field identification and the statements of several eyewitnesses, it is suspected that the bear who appeared repeatedly was the same individual," he said.

He explained, from the analysis of the signs of existence, the animal is estimated to be 10 years old and has been disoriented or strayed from its habitat in a protected forest area, not far from the location where it appeared.

According to Ade, on Friday (12/2/2021), a bear was also found in a tree not far from the Ambun Tanai tourist park.

The installation of traps using jackfruit and durian as bait was carried out by BKSDA considering that the animals have been repeatedly seen near residential areas.

"As long as the trap is set, BKSDA together with the village government officials will continue to monitor it," he said. *** / ye