Srinagar, Nov 7: J&K black bear captures have been reported in south Kashmir after Wildlife Protection Department officials rescued four bears from human habitations. Officials confirmed the operation on Saturday.
Four Black Bears Captured During Day-Long Operation
Officials tranquillised a 500-kg male bear at Bachoo Sagam in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Teams also captured three other bears in cages at Ashmaqum, where the Seer Wildlife Control Room had installed them.
The Wildlife South Division Bijbehara captured all four bears alive during the day-long operation. Officials said they would keep the animals under surveillance before releasing them into their natural habitat.
Why Black Bears Are Entering Human Habitations
Asiatic black bears increasingly leave forests and enter residential areas, university campuses and villages across Kashmir.
Climate change and unusually mild or short winters have disrupted their natural hibernation cycles. As a result, bears remain active for longer periods.
Expanding apple orchards, changing land use and shrinking forest buffer zones also bring wildlife closer to settlements in search of food. Protection laws and bans on poaching have helped increase the wild bear population. This has also led to more frequent encounters with people.
Residents have spotted bears in Srinagar, including university campuses, as well as in Anantnag, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Kupwara districts.
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Leopard Sightings Also Raise Concern Across Kashmir
Black bears are not the only wild animals entering human settlements. The Kashmir Valley has also witnessed more encounters involving other species, particularly the common leopard.
Leopards have adapted to changing surroundings. They increasingly use social forestry plantations, nursery grounds and apple orchards for cover.
Stray dogs near poorly managed garbage sites provide an easy food source. Local livestock and poultry also attract these predators.
Frequent sightings and rescue operations have triggered concern across several districts. In recent weeks, the J&K Wildlife Protection Department trapped and relocated leopards after sightings near Budgam Degree College Road, residential areas in Baramulla, including Microwave Colony, and villages across Ganderbal and Kulgam.
Wildlife Department Advises Residents to Stay Alert
The J&K Wildlife Protection Department has deployed rapid-response teams and control rooms to handle such incidents. These teams tranquillise and capture animals before relocating them to suitable natural habitats, including areas such as Dachigam National Park.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during peak harvesting hours and in the early winter period. They have also urged people to secure garbage, livestock and poultry properly.
Residents should immediately report wildlife sightings to their local wildlife control rooms.
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–IANS
