Woman Critically Injured in Black Bear Attack in Kuchhan; Locals Demand Immediate Wildlife Intervention

Woman Critically Injured in Black Bear Attack in Kuchhan; Locals Demand Immediate Wildlife Intervention

Kishtwar: Kuchhan witnessed a terrifying incident on Tuesday when a wild black bear attacked a woman in a residential area, leaving her critically injured and triggering panic among local residents.

The victim has been identified as Naseema Begum, wife of Mohd Rafiq Malik and a resident of Kuchhan. According to preliminary information, the attack occurred when the woman was carrying out routine work near her home. The sudden appearance of the wild animal gave her little time to react, and she sustained serious injuries in the attack.

Family members and locals rushed to the spot after hearing her cries for help. With the assistance of residents, Naseema Begum was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors described her condition as critical. She is currently undergoing treatment, and further medical updates are awaited.

The incident has caused widespread fear in the area, with villagers expressing serious concern over the increasing movement of wild animals, especially bears, near human habitations. Residents said that sightings of wild animals have become frequent in recent months, posing a constant threat to lives and property.

Angry locals have urged the Wildlife Department and district administration to take immediate and effective measures to prevent such incidents. They have demanded increased patrolling, installation of warning systems, and the safe relocation of wild animals away from residential areas.

Meanwhile, officials are expected to visit the area to assess the situation and chalk out preventive strategies to ensure the safety of residents. The incident once again highlights the growing human–wildlife conflict in the region and the urgent need for long-term solutions to protect both people and wildlife.