An unusual wildlife sighting in Srinagar gained attention online after Omar Abdullah shared a video showing two bears entering a golf course and leaving with a flag.
The clip, posted on Instagram on Friday, May 1, shows the animals roaming the greens of Royal Springs Golf Course. The bears are seen calmly roaming around the area before raising the course flag and running off, much to the amusement of those present.
Bears seen running free on the greens
In the video, the two bears appear undisturbed as they walk around the golf course. Moments later, one of them grabs the flag while the other follows, and they both quickly leave the area carrying it.
Sharing the footage, Abdullah described the moment in a light-hearted way, noting that the bears “came to play” before flying off with the flag. The post has since been widely circulated on social media platforms, prompting reactions from users who expressed both surprise and amusement.
Onlookers seen in the clip can be heard reacting to the unexpected scene as the animals move with ease across the manicured greenery.
The golf course is located near wooded areas
The Royal Springs Golf Course is located along the banks of Dal Lake and lies close to the forested areas of the Zabarwan Range. Due to this proximity, the occasional movement of wildlife in and around the course is not uncommon.
The latest incident highlights how animals from nearby habitats can sometimes find their way into human spaces, especially in areas where natural landscapes and urban developments intersect.
A scenic playground with a remarkable history
Against the background of Zabarwan forests, the golf course is considered one of the most picturesque in the region. It was developed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.
The project faced criticism during the construction phase, but after opening in 2001 it became recognized as one of the leading golf courses in the country, known for its layout and playing conditions.
Reactions on social media are pouring in
The video has continued to circulate widely, with viewers reacting to the unusual sight of wildlife interacting with the recreation area. While some users described the moment as amusing, others pointed to the unique coexistence of natural and developed environments in the region.
The clip adds to a growing list of cases where wildlife sightings in urban or semi-urban settings have attracted public attention, particularly through social media platforms.
