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Dehradun: Fear and insecurity are spreading across Uttarakhand as wild animal attacks increase. Tigers, leopards, and bears are entering villages, fields, and forest paths, putting lives at risk. Women who go to collect grass and firewood are especially vulnerable.
A tragic incident in Pabo village of Chamoli district shows the seriousness of the problem. In November, 42-year-old Rameshwari Devi went to the forest early in the morning but did not return. Villagers found her sickle and rope scattered on the path. The next day, she was discovered near an oak tree, critically injured after a bear attack. She had spent the freezing night in pain but survived due to her willpower.
12 bear attacks in Chamoli alone
Chamoli has reported over 25 injuries this year, including 12 bear attacks. Bears have been active in areas such as Jyotirmath, Dasholi, Pokhari, Dewal, Tharali, Karnaprayag, and Nandanagar.
The situation is even worse in Pauri Garhwal, where leopards have killed and injured several people. Near Niyalgarh and Koti, Ginni Devi was attacked and killed by a leopard while cutting grass. In Bagdi Gad village, another woman was killed, while in Ghandiyal village, a woman was seriously injured. On November 17, a woman in Jiwai village was attacked by a bear, suffering severe facial injuries.
40 people have died in 2025 due to wild animal attacks
Across Uttarakhand, 40 people have died in 2025 due to wild animal attacks. More than 500 villages in districts like Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Haridwar, Ramnagar, Haldwani, Tehri, and Uttarkashi are struggling with wildlife intrusion. Villages near Corbett Tiger Reserve, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rajaji National Park live in constant fear.
Man-eating animals are being released near settlements
Residents allege that man-eating animals are being released near settlements, though officials have not confirmed this. The Forest Department often responds only after major incidents, advising people to stay alert but lacking a long-term plan.
Some schools shut down frequently
The increased presence of leopards has frightened school-going children. Some schools shut down frequently or shift to panchayat buildings, disrupting education. People in remote villages without road access live under constant fear, especially in the evenings. In many hill villages of Uttarakhand, children now walk to school while beating plates, making noise and shouting just to keep wild animals away. Rising bear and leopard attacks have turned their daily route into a dangerous path.
In response, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has released Rs 50 lakh to curb wildlife attacks. While this may provide short-term relief, experts say long-term solutions are needed.
Forest department has suggested some measures
Suggested measures include forming a Forest Police Unit to protect women, empowering panchayats to respond to threats, using legal provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to capture or eliminate dangerous animals, clearing forest paths through MGNREGA, and creating community-based action plans with local participation.
