Ganderbal, October 12: Repeated sightings of Himalayan brown bears in different parts of Sonamarg have raised concerns among locals, with residents urging the Wildlife Department to take immediate measures to ensure public safety and prevent potential human-wildlife conflict.
According to locals, a Himalayan brown bear has been spotted in the bowl area, including parks near hotels, streets, and areas behind the market near the Youth Hostel. The frequent appearance of the wild animal has reportedly created panic among residents and raised concerns among people moving through the area.
Mushtaq Ahmad, President of RSS Kangan Constituency expressed concern over the situation and urged the Wildlife Department to take prompt action to address the issue. He called for appropriate measures to safely capture the bear and prevent it from entering populated areas.
Ahmad further suggested that the department install cages or suitable trapping equipment at identified locations where the bear has been frequently spotted, so that it can be captured safely by trained wildlife personnel.
Another local resident, Ishfaq Ahmad, stressed the need for proper waste management, saying garbage should be disposed of only in designated areas to prevent bears from being attracted to residential and commercial locations in search of food.
He said that Sonamarg is a prominent tourist destination where locals and visitors arrive every day to enjoy its natural beauty. However, repeated sightings of brown bears have created an atmosphere of fear and concern among people.
“This is not the first time brown bears have been spotted in Sonamarg. Such sightings are now being reported almost every day,” Ishfaq Ahmad said, while urging the concerned authorities to take the matter seriously.
Residents said that timely intervention by the Wildlife Department is necessary to reduce the risk of human-wildlife encounters and ensure that both people and wildlife remain safe.
They appealed to the Wildlife Department to investigate the matter, identify the affected areas, strengthen monitoring, and take appropriate measures to address the growing concerns of the local population.
Locals also stressed that proper garbage disposal, public awareness, and coordinated efforts by the concerned departments are essential to minimise the chances of bears entering areas frequented by people and tourists.
