Dumka, Jharkhand, 8th June 2026: A Sloth bear was successfully rescued from illegal captivity and from the cruel practice of “Bear Dancing” in Dumka district of Jharkhand on 6th June 2026, following a rapid intelligence-led operation by the Jharkhand Forest Department with assistance from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

The operation stems from WTI’s ongoing efforts to monitor and combat the illegal practice of bear dancing, which continues to persist in some isolated areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and on the outskirts of West Uttar Pradesh despite the practice being banned by Indian Law and the Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) being a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making its capture, possession, and exploitation a serious wildlife crime.

The bear was found tied to a tree with a rope threaded through its pierced nose | Photo © Jharkhand FD

As part of the team’s ongoing efforts to assist the forest department in stopping this cruel practice, they came across social media profiles of certain individuals who had posted videos of bear dancing in Jharkhand. The team’s trained personnel used OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) to verify the information, determine the Kalandars’ (a nomadic community traditionally involved in bear dancing) location, and assess the credibility of the leads. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the information was immediately shared with the Jharkhand Forest Department. Through coordinated efforts, the team successfully confirmed the Kalandars’ presence in the Dumka district of Jharkhand.

Demonstrating exceptional responsiveness and commitment, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dumka, immediately mobilised a field team to verify the information and undertake necessary enforcement action. The swift intervention led to the successful rescue of a sloth bear before it could be subjected to further exploitation by the Kalandars.

The bear is currently in the care of the Dumka forest division and will be undergoing preliminary veterinary examination and rehabilitation. 

The sloth bear was transferred to the Dumka Forest Division where it will undergo veterinary examination | Photo © Jharkhand FD

Through continuous social media monitoring and the development of local intelligence networks and on-ground efforts, valuable information was generated, ultimately leading to enforcement action and the bear’s rescue.

Mr. Satwik, IFS,  Divisional Forest Officer, Dumka, Jharkhand, stated that the possession of any wild animal, or its use for exhibition and performance, is strictly prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. He emphasised that such activities constitute serious wildlife offences and are punishable under the law. He further stated that the Forest Department remains firmly committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring the protection and conservation of wildlife.