Budgam, Feb 10 (KNO): Locals of Semsan in district Budgam have spotted four black bears in their village, creating panic across the entire area.
Locals told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that for many years wild animals have been entering their hamlet, creating fear and increasing the chances of man–animal conflict.
They said that the Wildlife Department in the district operates with only a few employees, which is not sufficient.
As per revenue records the district consists of 504 villages, and major rural villages are facing issues related to wild animal intrusions.
A student from the village said: "Yesterday we spotted 4 black bears in our village and we were helpless, we called the wildlife department and police who started the operation to rescue the wild animals and make sure that there is no unfortunate incident but they have less staff which isn't sufficient to fasten the operation, we live in fear and can't come out of our homes."
“We are living in a digital age, but our village still has no mobile connectivity. In emergencies like wild animal attacks or medical situations, we cannot even make a simple phone call for help. This lack of network pushes us into greater risk and leaves us helpless at crucial moments.” he added.
Pertinent to mention that in 2024 a girl had lost her life and a boy was injured in multiple leopard attacks in this village and another was killed by leopard in the nearby village.
Since then the village has been living under the constant fear of the wild life attacks although man-eater leopard responsible for the deaths of two minor girls was shot dead by wildlife officials and police on April 2, 2024 but the new spotting of 4 black bears have created a panic in the entire village.
Locals have appealed to the administration to increase manpower in the Wildlife Department so that such issues can be addressed at an early stage—(KNO)