According to local accounts, bear sightings have become more frequent in Chamba, particularly around Dalhousie and nearby localities. In a recent incident, a bear was seen entering a residential compound and moving as far as a home’s courtyard and balcony, triggering fear among residents who worry about potential attacks and damage to property. People living in the area say such encounters are no longer rare and are occurring alarmingly close to everyday living spaces.
The situation has prompted residents to call for immediate intervention from the forest department and local administration. Many argue that the absence of swift preventive measures could escalate the risk to human life, especially during early morning and late evening hours when wildlife movement is more common.
Wildlife experts note that these incidents reflect a broader and more troubling trend across Himalayan states, including Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand. They warn that the growing overlap between human settlements and wildlife habitats has transformed isolated encounters into a recurring pattern of conflict, driven by shrinking forest cover, food scarcity, and expanding habitation.
As authorities face mounting pressure to act, the developments in Chamba underscore the urgent need for coordinated strategies to manage wildlife movement, safeguard communities, and address the underlying causes of human–animal conflict. Without timely and effective measures, experts caution that such encounters could become more frequent and dangerous, posing long-term challenges for both conservation efforts and public safety.
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