An Asiatic black bear cub found on a plantation near Kui Buri National Park is being treated in an animal hospital after it developed convulsions.
Veterinarians check the health of the bear cub found on a plantation near Kui Buri National Park. (Photo by Chaiwat Satyaem)
A local resident found the two-month-old male cub alone near the Yang Chum reservoir in tambon Hadkham in Kui Buri district of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Wednesday.
As the cub's mother could not be found, the animal was sent to the Huay Sai animal husbandry centre. On Friday the cub was taken to Kasetsart University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Hua Hin for a thorough physical checkup.
The animal had some bruises on its ears and neck and was suffering convulsions. Veterinarian Supatra Chanchom said the cub, weighing 2.9 kilogrammes, could not control its balance as a result of convulsions that affected the nervous system.
The baby bear was given antibiotics and the veterinarian said she believed its condition would gradually improve.
National park officials have been ordered to increase patrols to prevent the smuggling of wild animals, said Wattana Pornprasert, director of Regional Office 3 of the Protected Area Administration.
Asiatic black bear cubs could be sold to traffickers for at least 10,000 baht each, he said.
He suspected a wildlife smuggling gang might have taken the cub from the forest and left it after seeing officials.
Authorities will regularly check the health condition of the cub and it will be released into Kui Buri National Park after it is physically strong, said Mr Wattana.