Ganderbal, Dec 26 (KNO): Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has encountered seven incidents of human-wildlife conflict in the last 12 months, resulting in injuries to several individuals, according to officials.
An official from the Wildlife Department informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they captured and relocated 37 wild animals that ventured into human habitats, without any reported fatalities during these encounters.
The captured animals included 22 snakes, 5 porcupines, 1 owl, 1 civet cat, 1 monkey, and 7 bears, he said, adding that these animals were safely relocated to more suitable natural habitats after their capture.
Despite the department's commendable efforts, the official said there is a lack of adequate equipment for handling such situations effectively.
However, local residents appreciate the response of the wildlife department in capturing wild animals near human settlements.
Another official said the Wildlife Department is proactively monitoring and swiftly responding to the presence of wild animals in human habitats.
The department’s actions aim to rescue both wild animals and human populations from harm, he said, adding that the department provided financial assistance totalling six lakh rupees to the injured individuals over the year—(KNO)