Home / Environment / Uttarakhand Bears Attack: 5 Deaths Spark Urgent Forest Dept Action
Uttarakhand Bears Attack: 5 Deaths Spark Urgent Forest Dept Action
22 Nov
Summary
- Five people have died due to Asiatic black bear attacks this year in Uttarakhand.
- Climate change and habitat degradation are cited as primary reasons for increased conflict.
- Forest department has issued new guidelines, including 'shoot-to-kill' as a last resort.
In Uttarakhand, a concerning rise in Asiatic black bear attacks has led to five human fatalities this year, the highest since 2016. The forest department has responded with new directives for the winter season, authorizing lethal force as a final option. Factors such as climate change, dwindling food sources, and habitat destruction are identified as drivers of this escalating conflict, forcing bears into unusual behaviors and closer proximity to human settlements.
Authorities are implementing enhanced surveillance and response measures, including identifying "hotspots" through camera traps and pugmarks. Quick response teams are patrolling sensitive areas equipped with tranquilization kits and rescue gear. Long-term strategies focus on habitat restoration by planting natural food sources and protecting bear habitats. There's also a push for continuous training for field staff on bear behavior and advanced rescue techniques.
The unusual aggression, with bears preying on over 45 cattle in some areas within three months, is linked to shortened hibernation periods and habitat encroachment. The delayed onset of winter and altered snowfall patterns have also contributed to increased bear activity and conflict. The state forest department is even ferrying children to school in affected villages.
