SRINAGAR, Dec. 20 -- Alarmed by the unnatural dietary habits of endangered brown bears, the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has decided to penalize the people and organizations involved in dumping garbage in forests and tourist places.

A new study has revealed that 75 percent of brown bears' diet in Kashmir include plastics, chocolates, and biryani. Wildlife SOS, India-based wildlife conservation charity, carried out an extensive survey on Himalayan brown bear distribution and feeding patterns.

Regional Wildlife Warden Rashid Naqash told The Kashmir Monitor that the department recognizes the magnitude of the problem and has facilitated Wildlife SOS' study.

"The recommendations have helped in identifying all the stakeholders. The ...