Tral, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : A man was injured in a bear attack on Tuesday in the Tral area of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred in the Nagbal village, where Mushtaq Ahmed was attacked as he stepped outside his home in the morning. He was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.
Residents of the area have expressed growing fears about human-wildlife conflicts due to an increase in wildlife movement in recent years. Villagers noted that the presence of wild animals has become a significant concern, especially for those venturing outdoors in the early hours.
They have urged the wildlife department to enhance monitoring in sensitive areas and to take necessary measures to capture and relocate animals posing a threat to human settlements. Officials from the wildlife conservation department reported that a team was dispatched to the area as soon as they were informed of the incident and the presence of wild animals. They also advised the public to stay safe and avoid unnecessary outings.
Human-wildlife conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is a serious environmental and public safety issue, primarily driven by habitat loss, urban expansion, and changes in land use. From 2023 to 2025, over 15,661 cases of human-animal conflict were reported in the region, resulting in 32 fatalities and more than 350 injuries. In total, more than 17,200 incidents occurred between 2020 and 2025, leading to over 100 deaths and approximately 1,100 injuries, according to official statistics.
The Asian black bear, Himalayan brown bear, and Indian leopard are among the species frequently involved in these conflicts. Higher mortality rates have been observed in northern Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora) and hilly districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Anantnag, while Jammu district records the highest number of incidents.
Deforestation, road construction, and urban expansion fragment wildlife corridors, pushing animals toward villages and orchards. An increased stray dog population near human settlements attracts leopards into residential areas. In the autumn, bears often venture close to homes and orchards in search of food before hibernating for the winter. Improper waste disposal also attracts predators.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has established 42 wildlife control rooms equipped with tranquilizer guns, rescue vehicles, cages, and capture nets to manage these situations. Authorities have deployed specialized wildlife rescue vehicles to improve access in high-risk areas.
Leave a Comment