By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 16 Dec: Fear has gripped large parts of Rudraprayag district as continued attacks by the leopards and the bears over the past few months have pushed residents into a state of constant anxiety. The presence of both wild animals close to human habitations has led to a sharp rise in human–wildlife conflicts, with leopards injuring more than 15 people during the last three months and claiming four lives in the district this year alone. During the the same period, more than 20 domestic animals have been injured or killed in attacks attributed to leopards and bears, further deepening distress among villagers who depend heavily on livestock for their livelihood.
The bear activity in particular has increased significantly in recent months, with reports of animals frequently straying into villages and in several cases, moving in groups. Villagers in various areas of Rudraprayag say the fear of sudden encounters with bears has disrupted daily life, forcing people to avoid venturing out early in the morning or after dusk. According to official records, as many as 128 villages in the district have been identified as vulnerable to wild animal attacks. Over the past three months alone, the bears have attacked and injured more than 15 people in various locations, indicating the growing scale of the problem.
The menace of leopards has also continued unabated in Rudraprayag district. This year, the leopard attacks have resulted in the deaths of three women and one man in different parts of the district, sparking anger and concern among local residents. The wildlife officials have so far rescued two man-eating leopards and two bears from conflict-prone areas, but sightings and attacks continue to be reported. Compared to previous years, bear movement near human settlements has been unusually high, adding a new dimension to the already serious issue of leopard attacks in the hill district.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajat Suman admitted that the incidents of conflict between humans and wildlife have increased noticeably in recent times. He claimed that the bears are struggling to find adequate natural food inside forests and are being drawn towards garbage and food waste left in the open near villages and roadside areas. The leopards, he said, are largely targeting stray animals, which has brought them closer to human settlements. Continuous monitoring and search operations are being conducted across the district to track animal movement and prevent further casualties. So far this year, four people have died in leopard attacks, while around 15 people have sustained injuries in bear attacks.
The forest officials attribute the rising bear activity largely to the impact of climate change. Irregular rainfall patterns, reduced snowfall and shorter cold seasons have altered the natural behaviour of wildlife, pushing animals towards lower altitudes and inhabited areas. The officials also noted that in earlier years bears were rarely sighted near villages after October, but this year sightings have been reported regularly even during this period. The easy availability of food waste in open dumping sites has further aggravated the situation, making villages an attractive foraging ground for bears.
In view of the persistent threat posed by wild animals, the Forest Department, in coordination with the district administration, has claimed to have taken precautionary measures in sensitive areas. Vehicles are being arranged for schoolchildren in several parts of the district to ensure their safety during daily travel on the orders of the CM. In addition, the villagers have been advised to avoid moving alone during vulnerable hours and to properly manage waste disposal. Despite these measures, residents continue to demand more effective long-term solutions, including better forest management, scientific monitoring of wildlife movement and increased compensation and support for victims of animal attacks.
