Budgam, Feb 11, KNT: Panic spread across Samsan village in the Khan Sahab area of Budgam district after four bears were spotted together near residential localities, prompting fear among inhabitants.
Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the wild animals were seen moving close to habitation areas adjoining forest belts, raising concerns about safety, particularly during early morning and evening hours. The sighting triggered alarm in the village, with families urging children and elderly members to remain indoors.
Inhabitants alleged that the Wildlife Department is grappling with a staff shortage, affecting prompt response and effective monitoring of wildlife movement. They appealed to the administration to enhance manpower and strengthen preventive mechanisms to avert any untoward incident.
Adding to the concerns, villagers pointed to persistent mobile network connectivity issues in the area. They said weak signal strength could hamper emergency communication in the event of a wildlife attack or other crisis situation.
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The development has revived memories of March 2024, when a series of leopard attacks were reported in the same village, causing widespread panic and intensifying fears of human-animal conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has issued an advisory asking inhabitants to remain indoors during vulnerable hours and avoid venturing alone into forested areas until the situation stabilizes.
Villagers have urged the authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to ensure safety and prevent escalation of wildlife-related incidents in the area. [KNT]
