The Sozzled Himalayan Black Bear

It is bloody amusing! Is it, really? 

First off, have you ever heard of a Himalayan Black Bear getting drunk on XXX Rum (a potent liquor), anywhere else in the world? I have not - it is provably why I must finally accept that Bhutan and the Bhutanese are truly unique.

The case of the drunken bear - proof that their domain is shrinking or that it does not contain food they need for their sustenance

On a serious note, one has to wonder what is a Himalayan Black Bear doing bang in the middle of Bhutan’s largest and most densely populated metropolis? Its rightful domain should be the 70 - 80% forest that we are supposed to have. And this is not the first time it has happened - the last similar incidence was another Himalayan Black Bear that was observed lumbering casually above the IT Park, Babesa in broad day light - at 1.30PM, on 12th December, 2021.

The KUENSEL reported many sightings of the Himalayan Black Bear in the capital city - in places like, Lungtenphu, Serbithang, Upper Motithang, Taba, Chamjeykha, Tango & Chari and Jemina.

It is very simple to understand that wildlife venture out of their comfort zone when their own domain lack the food they need for sustenance - it is then they step into dangerous domains - such as those of the human beings.

Despite our tall claims, incidences such as these clearly indicate that our ecosystem is not as pristine as we say it is. Time is here then that we start to put our money where our mouth is - we cannot hope to put wool over people’s eyes forever. Let us begin to look at the truth and reality squarely in the face - or we will be doomed.

I am now beginning to realize, after more than four decades since, why close to US$5.00 million GWMC project had to go under liquidation, in less than a decade of starting operation in 1982.

I am now wiser why I was called in to be a party to an unthinkable incidence that took place sometime during 1979/1980.