Thursday, 23 September 2021 | PNS | Joshimath
A bear was shot dead by Forest department officials in Joshimath late on Tuesday night in the ongoing human-wildlife conflict situation in this part of Chamoli district. While it is being stated that the bear was shot in self-defense, some observers opine that the department personnel did not conduct its tranquilisation efficiently which led to the fatal incident.
Black bear sightings are not uncommon in Joshimath though they have increased near human settlements in recent times due to various factors including improper garbage disposal.
Late on Tuesday night, a bear reached the inhabited area of Sinhdhar. The locals informed the forest department about the bear. The department personnel reached the area along with a team equipped to tranquilise the animal. However, the bear ran away downhill as the personnel neared it. The bear was hiding in a field with the personnel approached it again to tranquilise it. After the tranquiliser dart was shot, the agitated bear rushed forward and one of the department personnel crowding the site shot it. Forest range officer Chetna Kandpal said that the bear was a female. Her body was buried after post mortem examination. The department will continue to patrol the area, she added.
