Wildlife conflict spreads from mountains to plains: Bear attack in Dehradun’s outskirts, woman injured

Dehradun: Fear gripped Kemat village in Gadul Gram Panchayat after a 45‑year‑old woman was attacked by two bears in the Thano Forest Range. The victim, identified as Sushila, wife of Raghuveer Singh Bhandari, had gone to the forest to collect grass when the bears suddenly pounced on her.

She sustained serious injuries and was rushed by the forest department team, with the help of the village head, to Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, where she is undergoing treatment.

First recorded bear attack in the plains of Doiwala

Forest Beat Officer Vikas Ghildial confirmed the incident, noting that this is the first recorded bear attack in the plains of Doiwala. “The woman was attacked without warning. Our team responded quickly and ensured she received medical care,” he said.

Local social activist Sudhir Joshi expressed concern, pointing out that while elephant and leopard attacks have been reported earlier, bear attacks are now emerging as a new threat. “This is the first time bears have attacked in the plains. People are frightened, and the risk to villagers, especially women and children, is increasing,” he said.

Rising wildlife conflict

Doiwala Forest Range Officer said awareness programs are being conducted to educate villagers about precautions against wild animals. He appealed to residents to avoid venturing into forests alone, especially during early morning and evening hours.

Officials explained that the rise in such incidents is linked to multiple factors like-food shortages in forests forcing animals to move toward villages, shrinking habitats due to human activity and encroachment, easy availability of waste and livestock near settlements, during breeding season of bears and leopards, when they become more aggressive, changing weather patterns, which alter animal behavior, disturbances caused by roads, vehicles, and helicopter noise in forested areas.

Safety of women, children, and the elderly is now a major concern

Villagers say the safety of women, children, and the elderly is now a major concern. Many depend on forests for fodder and firewood, but fear of attacks is forcing them to reconsider daily routines. Residents are demanding stronger patrolling, installation of alert systems, and better coordination between forest officials and local communities.