Drone Video Chasing Rare Naur Sparks Outrage, Bajhang Administration Initiates Action

Kathmandu. A video showing a rare Himalayan Blue sheep, also known as Naur, being chased by a drone in Bajhang has sparked widespread criticism on social media, prompting local authorities to begin an investigation into the incident.

The 4-minute 23-second video, posted publicly on Friday from a Facebook account named “Gorkha Gharti,” shows a drone closely pursuing the wild animal across steep cliffs and rugged terrain in the high-altitude areas of Saipal Rural Municipality.

In the video, the uploader claims he located the Naur after four days of searching and used a drone to capture close-up footage. Introducing the clip, he says he is at an altitude of six to seven thousand feet and promises viewers a close-up view of a Naur “they have never seen before.” The footage then shows the frightened animal running and scrambling across rocky slopes while being followed by the drone.

The video quickly went viral, attracting more than 620,000 views, nearly 40,000 reactions, over 750 comments, and hundreds of shares. Many social media users condemned the act, arguing that deliberately distressing wildlife for content is both unethical and illegal.

Several users called for legal action against those involved. One commenter accused the individual of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected wild animal, while others questioned whether the act could be linked to poaching activities.

Following criticism, the uploader defended the video in the comment section, claiming that he had only frightened the animal and had not physically harmed it. The response, however, drew further backlash from viewers.

Wildlife photographer Himalaya Bhatt said the video promotes harmful behavior toward wildlife and violates established ethical practices for wildlife photography.

“There is a proper process for photographing wildlife, including obtaining permission and maintaining sufficient distance to avoid disturbing animals,” Bhatt said. “In this case, the animal was deliberately chased. Such actions can force wildlife into dangerous situations and may even result in fatal falls from cliffs.”

Bhatt also warned that publicizing such content could encourage others to engage in similar activities. According to him, unauthorized drone use and disturbance of wildlife have become increasingly common in remote areas, creating challenges for researchers and professional wildlife photographers who follow legal procedures.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Bajhang has said it is treating the matter seriously.

Deputy Chief District Officer Satya Kumari Joshi stated that no permission had been issued for drone operations in the area and confirmed that authorities are coordinating with police after receiving the video.

“Flying a drone without permission is illegal. Disturbing wildlife in this manner is also an offense,” Joshi said. “We will identify the individuals involved, call them for questioning, and take action in accordance with the law.”

She added that wildlife have the right to live undisturbed in their natural habitat and that causing them distress cannot be justified.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029, activities such as chasing, harassing, injuring, killing, or attempting to kill wildlife, as well as disturbing their habitats, nests, or breeding areas without authorization, are considered illegal and fall within the legal definition of hunting.

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