The sub-divisional magistrate’s office in Theog near Shimla recently had an unexpected visitor — an adorable bear cub.

Photographs and videos being circulated on WhatsApp show the staffers and visitors at the SDM’s office were pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the bear cub, which looked cheerful among the humans.

The cub was fed and taken good care as it hopped around inside the office regaling the onlookers.

The cub was brought to the SDM’s office in Theog after locals rescued it during a forest fire in Kotkhai area of Shimla district. It was later handed over to officials of the wildlife department.

The staffers at the SDM office confirmed the incident.

Check out the video here.

https://t.co/BBljYuHeSy pic.twitter.com/Gva4S4t127

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Divisional Forest Officer, Theog, Nitin Patil said the baby bear was sent to the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Tutikandi after a medical examination.

According to Patil, the cub is 8 to 10 months old and needs help with feeding. He said it would be kept under observation for a few days after which a decision would be taken on whether it was fit to be released in the wild again.

In case the bear cub in not found fit for survival in the wild on its own, it may be sent to the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri, also known as the Kufri Zoo.

Patil praised the locals who rescued the cub from the forest fire, and said recommendation letters had been issued to them. The fire had taken place in Baghal village near Theog, and was of minor nature, he said.

The bear cub, meanwhile, will have company at the Tutikandi centre, which is playing hols to another cub that was rescued a few days back. The other cub had strayed into the market area in Kotkhai. The animal was initially kept in the wild under observation as forest officials waited for its mother to come and take it back with her. However, since the mother bear did not turn up, the cub was sent to the Tutikandi rescue centre.

Black bears venture into human habitation areas during the period from April onwards as apple growers keep honey bees in their orchards for pollination.

According to Patil, the black bears venture into human habitations because honey is their favourite food.