Bears breaking into the homes are increasingly becoming a concern for the people of Lingzhi and Naro Gewogs in Thimphu. This year about three to four such cases have been reported so far.
The bear forage for food in the empty houses. It steals rice and destroys properties, although no human casualties have been reported so far.
Recently a bear broke into the house of Ugyen Tenzin in Gangyuel village, Lingzhi.
“At one instance it took meat, and at another point, it took away a bag of rice. It eats whatever it could find and destroys utensils and properties,” he said.
According to officials from the Department of Forests, bears started breaking into the houses two years ago. Tshering Dorji, the forest officer in Lingshi shared his opinion.
“In my opinion, the reason for the bear entering villages and houses is, as the houses are left empty when the villagers move with their cattle. We have informed them not to keep meats in the house because of the smell the bear visit houses.”
To combat the problem the villagers have started blocking the doors and windows with stone walls, wooden fences and Zinc Sheet.
Ashok Tirwa
