A Himalayan black bear that had sneaked into the Darjeeling town, apparently a week ago, was rescued by foresters of Darjeeling wildlife division on Monday morning.

According to the foresters, during the past six-seven days, the three-year-old male bear was found wandering in localities like Hermitage Road and Lebong, which are adjacent to the Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre.

On Monday, the foresters laid a trap and managed to cage the animal. After rescuing the bear, the foresters examined the animal and later released it in the wild at a higher altitude of the hills. “We are keeping a watch in the locality from where the animal was rescued to know whether any more bears strayed into the area with it,” said Suratna Sherpa, the divisional forest officer of Darjeeling wildlife division.

According to experts, the Himalayan black bear is an endangered species and normally dwells in the hilly forest tracts ,which are at a height of 10,000 feet or above.

“Usually, Himalayan black bears descend downhill during winters for mating and then go into hibernation. The animal is normally reclusive by nature and avoids human population. It only strays into human habitats in search of food,” the divisional forest officer said.