In a recent development in the Kastigarh area of District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, the Wildlife Department successfully captured a bear believed to be responsible for a series of attacks. The bear was tranquilized during the operation and has been transported to Kishtwar for further evaluation and necessary actions.
The capture operation, conducted in the Dandi area of Panchayat Dhandal, witnessed the active participation of the Wildlife Department, the local police post in Kastigarh, and a substantial number of concerned local residents. This collaborative effort aimed to address the escalating safety concerns in the region.
The decision to hunt down the bear was made by wildlife authorities on 12th September 2023, following a tragic incident on the 11th of September. A man named Karnail Singh lost his life due to a bear attack, leading to heightened tensions among the local population.
Locals in the Kastigarh area expressed mixed sentiments, as they believe that there might be more than one bear responsible for the attacks. The uncertainty regarding whether the captured bear was the same one involved in the fatal incident has left some residents anxious. Nevertheless, they commended the diligent efforts of the Wildlife Department in capturing the bear, although concerns about the presence of other potentially dangerous bears in the vicinity persist.
Despite these developments, the concerned department has yet to respond officially regarding the operation.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Kastigarh remain cautious, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and appropriate safety measures to mitigate the risk of further bear encounters. Wildlife authorities continue to assess the situation to determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of both wildlife and the local populace.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times