Uttarakhand’s forest department will be conducting a comprehensive study on the behaviour of the black Himalayan bear, as announced on Tuesday. The decision follows a rise in bear attacks over the last two months in the hill state. The study will help better understand the conflict between humans and wildlife and find a long-term solution.
“With the help of wildlife experts, the forest department will conduct a study on bears to find a long-term solution to their conflicts with human beings in Uttarakhand,” said Ranjan Kumar Mishra, Uttarakhand’s Chief Wildlife Warden.
The decision is being supported and welcomed by the wildlife experts who have called the move essential.
"We have conducted studies on bears in Kashmir in the past, but no such study has been done in Uttarakhand. This is a good decision," said Satya Kumar, a wildlife expert.
At least 5 killed —
Official data shows that five people were killed and 69 others injured in bear attacks across Uttarakhand this year. Mostly attacks were reported in Chamoli, Pauri, and Pithoragarh districts.
As per the experts, several factors contribute to these bear-human conflicts, and garbage littering is a major cause that attracts bears closer to human settlements. Despite the attacks, experts point out that bears are not naturally man-eaters like leopards. However, in September, a bear was declared a man-eater in the Thalisain area of Pauri district. The bear remains uncaptured, but authorities stress that such incidents are rare.
"Except for Thalisain, we have not come across any other case where a bear has been declared a man-eater," said Samir Sinha, Head of the Forest Force (HOFF).
Taking out the data of the last five years shows that at least 438 people have been injured following these bear attacks. Bears are currently a problem in 17 of the state's 38 forest divisions, particularly in the higher altitudes of Garhwal and Kumaon.
Why are bears turning aggressive?
Experts suggest that the shortened hibernation period of bears, driven by factors such as climate change, abnormal rainfall, human interference in forests, biotic pressure, reduced snowfall, and shrinking food sources, is contributing to their increased aggression.
"Bears normally go to sleep between mid- and late November. But due to various factors, we are now expecting that they should go to sleep by November 30," Mishra said, adding, "If bears know that food is available at a certain location and don't find any next time, they can become aggressive."
Experts note that bears eat and drink well before entering hibernation, as they need to sustain themselves through their two-month sleep. Being omnivores, bears consume both plant-based and animal-based food, including honey, fruits, Amaranth, and, at times, food found in garbage near villages.
"This year, the All India Tiger Estimation is being conducted, which includes all predators, including bears, through camera traps. We are hopeful that bear counting will also be done," said Mishra while talking about the population of bears.
Follow us
