Rare brown bear shot dead in Gilgit-Baltistan, probe underway

(Web Desk): A rare brown bear has been killed by unidentified individuals in the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan. The incident took place in the Minimarg area.

District Forest Officer (DFO) of the Astore Wildlife Protection Department, Syed Naeem Shah, confirmed that he is en route from Gilgit to Astore to investigate the incident. He stated that a post-mortem will be conducted on the bear, and he will comment further once the report is received.

When asked why and how the bear was killed, he said that the facts will be revealed after a thorough investigation. According to locals in Astore, the bear was shot and killed.

In a circulating video, a man is seen describing the bear’s injuries, claiming that it was killed by gunfire. He gives what appears to be an expert analysis, pointing out a small entry wound and a large exit wound on the animal’s body.

Astore administration spokesperson Dildar Ali said that the reasons behind the bear's death are currently being compiled and that the full truth will be made public following a detailed investigation.

It is worth noting that two weeks ago, a bear attacked the tent of singer Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch in the Deosai region, injuring her.

The presence of brown bears is considered crucial for maintaining ecological balance in any region, and the species is regarded as one of the world's rarest wild animals. According to reports, there are only between 70 to 80 brown bears left in Gilgit-Baltistan.