SRINAGAR, June 25 -- A female Himalayan black bear and her 5-month-old cubs were found living in an abandoned house in Budgam district and relocated to their natural habitat in a joint operation by Wildlife SOS and the Wildlife Protection Department.

"In recent years, problems related to human wildlife conflict has escalated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly pertaining to wild bears. With rapid human encroachment, loss of habitat as well as depletion of prey base, animals inhabiting forests and natural reserves have suitably adapted to habitat modification and had grown dependent on crops and livestock for food," Wildlife SOS said in a statement.

Last week, residents of Sholi Pora village located in Budgam district were sh...