Sloth bear gang spotted foraging for devotee offerings at Mata Temple in northern India
by Aditi VermaIn an unusual sight at a temple in northern Inida’s Rajasthan, a group of curious sloth bears was seen exploring grains and other offerings left by devotees.
The incident took place at the Arbuda Mata Temple, which is located within the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary in Mount Abu and the video went viral on November 6.
Visuals showed late at night, a few sloth bears quietly wandered inside a temple, exploring the surroundings under dim lighting. Temple visitors, witnessing this rare scene, discreetly recorded the bears as they moved around, their shadows cast on the ancient walls, creating a mix of awe and silent thrill among the onlookers.
Drawn by the scent of grains and other items, these bears are known to venture close to the temple, rummaging through the devotional offerings. This unique interaction highlights the overlap of wildlife and religious activity in the sanctuary, adding to the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Mount Abu.