Bhubaneswar, Nov. 17 -- Panic gripped students and local residents after three wild bears were seen roaming inside the Science College campus in Nuapada district headquarters on Sunday evening.

According to sources, the animals were spotted around 5 pm moving across the campus grounds, prompting several people to alert the Nuapada Forest Division. The incident prompted locals to flee their homes and seek shelter at a crowded spot on the street.

Several locals attempted to drive away the animals with loud sounds on speakers and by banging utensils. However, the bears did not disperse even as the crowd of onlookers grew in size.

A forest team reached the college shortly after receiving the information. Officials used loudspeaker announce...