This is the moment a rescued sloth bear steps out to freedom in southern India.<br /><br />Indian forest officials took the bear to the Mudumalai forest reserve on March 14 and set it free there. <br /><br />As they opened the cage cautiously, the bear hesitantly stepped out and then ran free without looking back. <br /><br />The male bear had entered the South Indian town of Ooty on March 13 and caused widespread panic.<br /><br />Forest department officials tranquilised the bear with a dart gun and then shifted it to a cage before taking it away. <br /><br />Officials said the bear might have strayed into the town in search of food and water as there was an acute shortage of water in the jungles.
