Bear, leopard sightings in Budgam rekindle fears of human-wildlife conflict

Budgam, Feb 9: Fresh sightings of black bears and leopards near human habitation have triggered widespread panic across several areas of Budgam district, reviving memories of past fatal attacks and raising serious concerns over public safety.

In the Samsan area of Khansahib, residents reported the movement of three black bears close to residential clusters, prompting fear among locals, particularly children and elderly residents. Locals recalled a tragic incident from a few years ago when a minor girl was killed in a bear attack in the same locality.

Residents have urged the Wildlife Department and district administration to immediately intervene by relocating the animals to forest areas and intensifying patrolling to prevent any loss of life or property.

Budgam has also witnessed a series of leopard attacks in recent months. In one of the most disturbing incidents, a four-year-old non-local boy was mauled to death by a leopard on October 20, 2024, in the Najan area of central Budgam. The child, whose family from Bihar works seasonally at brick kilns, was picked up by the animal from outside a temporary mud hut. His body was later recovered a few metres downhill in an orchard, leaving the family and local residents traumatised.

Another attack was reported from Chrimujloo village in Beerwah, where a five-year-old girl was snatched by a leopard. Villagers, alerted by her cries, chased the animal and managed to rescue the child after pelting stones and sticks. She was rushed to SMHS Hospital for treatment.

Residents say leopard movement has increased in villages surrounding the sericulture nursery in Beerwah, which has turned into dense cover due to lack of regular pruning. “The nursery has become like a forest. Leopards hide there during the day and enter villages at night,” said Mohammad Ayoub, a local resident, urging authorities to prune the area and install chain-link fencing.

Human-wildlife conflict has also resulted in livestock losses. In the Larbal area of Beerwah, a leopard killed five sheep and injured six others belonging to Bashir Ahmad Sheikh. Officials said a total of 12 sheep were attacked. A team from the Sheep Husbandry Department provided first aid to the injured animals. The livestock owner described the loss as devastating and appealed for compensation.

According to official data, between 2006 and 2022, at least 245 people were killed and over 30,000 injured in wildlife attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, with children aged between four and 15 years forming a significant proportion of victims.

Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat said rapid urbanisation, orchard expansion and shrinking grasslands have altered wildlife habitats, pushing animals closer to human settlements. North Kashmir Wildlife Warden Intesar Suhail said leopards now often hide in orchards and plantations during the day and venture into villages at night in search of prey, aided by the presence of stray dogs.

In view of rising incidents, the Wildlife Department has reiterated its advisory urging people to avoid moving alone near forested areas, travel in groups and complete outdoor activities during daylight hours.