It is the time of the year when bear attacks on humans occur. The latest reported casualty happened in Haa in May, where a 39-year-old man survived a bear maul. Likewise, each year at least six such incidents are reported in the country according to hospital records. Experts say that most bears attack in defence and to protect their cubs. In this story, we will look at how to avoid bear attacks and how to react if people encounter a bear face-to-face.
The Himalayan black bear, also called the Asiatic black bear is the only bear species that has been identified in the country. The bear is found all over the country. The months from July to October are when bears are most active, foraging for food.
“According to scientific behavioural study, the bear hibernates during winter, wakes up in spring and breeds, and is found widely during spring and summer. However, if we look at Bhutan, the bear is found even in winter,” said Letro, deputy chief forestry officer of the Nature Conservation Division.
He said that to prevent bear attacks; individuals should avoid littering since bears get habituated to leftovers.
Furthermore, to avoid livestock and beehives from falling prey to bears, individuals are advised to put electric fencing around their farms. He also advises people to feed pet dogs, indoors.
“When we go to forests, it is important to go in groups and not alone or in isolation. And it is very important to be vigilant so that we are not attacked by bears. This is because bears are very active in the wild during summer and autumn, increasing the risk of people being mauled by bears,” added the deputy chief forestry officer.
People are advised to retract slowly if they come across a bear with cubs from a distance. However, if the encounter is face-to-face, it is advised to drop down to the ground and cover the neck and face with hands to minimise blows on the head.
Though the latest figures are not available, a cross-sectional study of hospital records shows that 34 victims were provided treatment for bear maul injuries between 2015 to 2019.
Although the Nature Conservation Division has not conducted a population survey of bears in Bhutan, they said that there is a good breeding population of bears in the country.
However, the population is threatened by poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Tashi Yangden
Edited by Kipchu
