Shimla, Oct 23
Fear has gripped the Shahdhar Panchayat of Rampur in Shimla district as a bear has killed seven domestic animals over the past ten days.
The repeated attacks on livestock, including cows and calves, have left the villagers in Rangori and Shahdhar on edge.
In response to the growing threat, the Forest Department has launched a swift rescue operation, deploying a rapid rescue team in the affected areas.
According to reports, the bear has been targeting domestic animals in Shahdhar Panchayat, creating panic among the residents. The latest attacks have led to economic losses for the villagers, whose livelihoods are largely dependent on their livestock.
The forest officials, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, have set up measures to capture the bear and restore peace in the region.
“We have dispatched the Forest Department’s Rapid Rescue Team to Shahdhar Panchayat to capture the bear. Two cages have been installed in strategic locations to trap the animal, and three cameras have been set up to monitor its movements,” said Rampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Gurharsh Singh.
“Our team, which includes forest guards Lalit Bharti, Bhola Singh, Sanjeev, and Sarjeet, is working round-the-clock to keep an eye on the bear and ensure the safety of the residents.”
The deployment of the rescue team has provided some relief to the frightened villagers, though the bear continues to roam the area. The Forest Department is hopeful that with the help of the cages and cameras, they will soon be able to catch the bear and prevent further attacks.
The Wildlife Authority has also taken notice of the incident, which marks a rare case of a wild animal repeatedly attacking livestock in Himachal Pradesh.
While man-animal conflicts are not uncommon in the state, this particular situation has raised concerns over the growing impact of wild animals on the local economy.
“Himachal Pradesh is home to both black and brown bears, and these species require special emphasis to avoid further man-animal conflict,” a wildlife official stated.
“We are taking immediate action to capture the bear and prevent further harm. The safety of the villagers and their livestock is our top priority.”
As efforts to catch the bear intensify, authorities are also urging villagers to remain vigilant and report any further sightings.
The Forest Department continues to monitor the situation closely, aiming to alleviate the villagers’ fears and prevent any future incidents.
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