Amid growing panic, Forest Dept launches operation to capture bear in Udhampur

Amid growing panic in Udhampur district, particularly the Panchari belt, the Wildlife Department has launched a coordinated response to tackle the surge in human-bear conflict following multiple attacks reported in the past week. Residents, living in fear, are demanding urgent intervention as sightings and confrontations intensify.

Speaking to media, Range Officer Mahesh Abrol confirmed that the threat has rapidly expanded. “Bear’s terror has spread throughout the Panchari area. Three cases have been reported from Mir, Panchari and Landhar,” he said.

Officials believe the rise in encounters is linked to seasonal changes and the presence of newborn cubs. With winter setting in, villagers frequently venture into forested areas to collect firewood and fodder, a routine now turning dangerous. “The attacks were because the locals are usually out of their homes or in the forest during these winter times and because of the newborn cubs, bears feel that they are in the forest to attack them,” Abrol explained.

In response, the Wildlife Department has deployed a six-member specialist team equipped with tranquiliser guns to conduct extensive reconnaissance in the dense forest areas. “We will do the recce and inspection. If we find the bear, we will try to catch him and send it to Jammu. But those are dense forests, and it is not an easy task,” the range officer said.

The department has also begun precautionary field exercises, including controlled noise deterrents. “Our employees conduct recce like lighting up crackers to make wild animals flee,” he added.

Urging cooperation from residents, Abrol requested restraint and caution. “I appeal to people not to leave their homes in the evenings and mornings. Don’t go out alone. Go out in groups of two or four.”

Local villagers have demanded the animal be declared a “man-eater” and eliminated. Responding to this, Abrol clarified that due process is mandatory. “Local administration can write to the DC, who will then write to our chief. Then only can we proceed,” he said.