Guv asks Wilson to discuss solution to human-bear conflict in State with minister

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh has requested community-based conservation expert and executive director of American non-governmental organisation Blackfoot Challenge, Seth M Wilson to hold a meeting with the State’s Forest minister and the departmental secretary to share his suggestions on human-wildlife conflict. The governor said this while interacting with Wilson at the Lok Bhawan here on Monday.

During the meet, Wilson shared his 20-year experience of working on human-bear conflict with the governor. He said that he had ascertained by research that bears are often attracted to cattle carcasses, which also brings them near human habitations. The scientific and safe disposal of cattle carcasses is vital in such a situation to reduce the movement of bears towards human settlements, he said. Wilson also said that the behaviour of bears has been affected by climate change. The reduction in their hibernation period means that they are active for a longer time and this brings them closer to human habitations in search of food. The food, behaviour and activities of bears should be studied in detail to check human-bear conflict. Participation of the community, scientific data, management of cattle remains and public awareness can help in preparing an effective strategy to address the issue, he said.

The governor appreciated Wilson’s experiences while stressing that human-wildlife balance is very important in a mountain State like Uttarakhand. Coexistence of humans and wildlife can be facilitated through a scientific perspective, community participation and integrated efforts, Singh said. Former principal chief conservator of forests, Rajiv Bhartari was also present during the meeting.