Malkangiri: Forest Department officials last night rescued a sloth bear which had strayed into Balimela area in Odisha's Malkangiri district.

Presence and movement of 2-3 bears in the area during the last one month had left the residents of Balimela panic-stricken. After two weeks of effort, the forest officials managed to capture the animal inside a trap.

The bear had reportedly intruded into a village and was searching for food near a hotel at Chitrakonda Chhak, during which it was rescued.

The bear was later released into Chitrakonda forest by the officials.