Budgam, Feb 11. Inhabitants of Samsan village in the Khan Sahab area of Budgam district have appealed to the Wildlife Department to immediately capture and relocate four bears that have been repeatedly spotted near residential localities over the past couple of days.
The villagers said the wild animals continue to roam close to human settlements, creating fear among families, particularly children and elderly persons. They stated that the repeated sightings have disrupted normal life, with many avoiding outdoor activities during early morning and evening hours.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the inhabitants urged the Wildlife Department to deploy adequate teams to track and remove the bears before any untoward incident occurs. They said the situation has heightened anxiety in the village, recalling previous wildlife incidents reported in the area.
Locals also expressed concern over what they described as a shortage of Wildlife Department staff, claiming that limited manpower affects timely response to such emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has issued an advisory asking people to remain indoors during vulnerable hours and avoid venturing alone into forested belts until the situation is brought under control.
The villagers reiterated their appeal to the concerned authorities to take swift and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of the local population.