Viral Video: Youth Feeds Cold Drink to Wild Bear for Social Media Reel, Forest Department Launches Probe
Viral Video: Youth Feeds Cold Drink to Wild Bear for Social Media Reel, Forest Department Launches Probe
A recent incident from Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district has sparked widespread concern after a young man was seen casually offering a bottle of cold drink to a wild bear — just to record a video for social media. The footage, which has gone viral, has drawn heavy criticism for promoting irresponsible behaviour towards wildlife and potentially violating conservation laws.
The clip, reportedly filmed in Nara village, shows the youth confidently approaching the bear with a soft drink bottle in hand. After placing it in front of the animal, he turns toward the camera and smiles, while the bear curiously inspects the bottle, lifts it, and proceeds to drink the contents. The animal finishes the drink and sets the bottle down, all while the camera continues rolling.
While the act might appear harmless or amusing to some, wildlife experts and environmentalists have warned that such behaviour is both dangerous and damaging. Bears are wild predators, and close human interaction can provoke unpredictable reactions. One wrong move could lead to serious injuries or even death, not just for the person involved but for bystanders as well.
The health of the animal is also at risk. Soft drinks are packed with sugar, caffeine, and other artificial additives that wild animals are not built to digest. Regular exposure to human food or drink can disrupt their natural feeding habits and make them increasingly dependent on people — a development that raises the chances of future conflict and endangers both species.
Chhattisgarh’s Forest Department has taken serious note of the video. Officials have begun the process of identifying the individual involved, and legal action is expected to follow under the Wildlife Protection Act, as the interaction is considered a breach of wildlife safety regulations.
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— The news (@Thenews0fficial) September 12, 2025
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Meanwhile, a separate and deeply tragic incident has come to light from Mahasamund district. A bear died after coming into contact with an illegal electric trap believed to have been set up for hunting. Forest officials were quick to respond after receiving information and have since launched a full investigation. Several people are being questioned in connection with the trap, which appears to have been intentionally placed to target wild animals.
These back-to-back incidents point to a growing disconnect between people and nature — whether it’s risking lives for viral fame or using cruel methods to hunt. Both cases underline the urgent need for stronger awareness about wildlife protection and stricter enforcement of laws meant to safeguard our forests and their inhabitants.
Wild animals are not props, nor are they threats to be eliminated — they are an essential part of our ecosystem. It’s high time we treat them with the respect and caution they deserve, both online and off.
