SRINAGAR – A 45-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being mauled by a wild bear in the Chimmer area of Kulgam district on Saturday afternoon, triggering fresh concerns over escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Rasheed Khatana, son of Mohammad Ismail Khatana and a resident of Chimmer, was reportedly going about his routine work near the forest fringe when the animal emerged from the dense vegetation and launched a sudden attack.
According to officials, the encounter occurred in a remote section of the district, leaving Khatana with significant injuries. Nearby villagers, alerted by his cries for help, rushed to the scene and managed to scare the animal away before it could cause further harm. The injured man was promptly transported to a local hospital, where medical staff are currently stabilizing his condition. While official reports on his specific injuries have not been fully disclosed, he remains under close observation by healthcare professionals.
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of wildlife incursions into residential pockets of Kulgam. As the forest cover near human habitations continues to witness increased activity, local residents have expressed growing anxiety regarding the safety of their families and livestock. Many in the Chimmer area have pointed to a shortage of natural resources in the forest as a possible reason for wild animals venturing closer to villages in search of food.
In the wake of the attack, local community members have collectively urged the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department and the district administration to take immediate, proactive measures. Among the demands are the installation of better fencing, an increase in patrol frequency by wildlife staff, and the deployment of search teams to track and relocate the bear to a deeper part of the forest, away from populated settlements.
“This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and it is a matter of great concern for all of us,” said a local resident. “We need the authorities to intervene before a more tragic outcome occurs. We cannot live in constant fear of wildlife attacks every time we step out of our homes.”
Officials stated that they are currently verifying the details of the incident and evaluating the immediate security risks in the area. They have advised residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours, and to avoid venturing alone into forest-adjacent zones until the situation is brought under control.
The administration has assured the public that they are reviewing the situation and are working in coordination with forest rangers to monitor the movement of wildlife in the vicinity to prevent further confrontations.
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