Male bear found dead in Kutku range of Palamu Tiger Reserve
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, September 22: A male bear was found dead in the Rud forest area of the Kutku Range…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, September 22: A male bear was found dead in the Rud forest area of the Kutku Range under the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Monday, raising concerns over another possible case of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The carcass was found with signs of bleeding from the mouth and nose, according to sources. Kutku Range Officer Ajay Toppo confirmed the presence of the bear carcass and said a trail of blood was visible around its mouth and nose.
Possible human-wildlife conflict angle under examination
Sources indicated that the bear’s death could be linked to human-wildlife conflict, particularly as bears are known to enter agricultural fields and damage standing crops, including maize.
However, Kutku Range Officer Ajay Toppo said forest personnel had searched the area and had so far found no harmful material, including electric wires or traps, that could have caused the animal’s death.
Sources suggested that such devices, if used, might have been removed before the arrival of forest officials, possibly due to fear of action by the Palamu Tiger Reserve authorities. This possibility, however, has not been officially confirmed.
Bear death follows elephant electrocution in Latehar
The latest incident comes just over two weeks after the death of a sub-adult elephant on September 6 in Komar village under Balumath police station limits in Latehar district.
The elephant had reportedly died after coming into contact with an illegal electric fence erected to protect maize crops and nearby houses from elephant raids.
The two incidents have once again highlighted the risks arising from encounters between wildlife and agricultural activity in forest-fringe areas.
While elephants are more frequently reported to raid standing crops and damage houses, bears also venture into agricultural fields in search of food and can cause significant crop damage.
Carcass examined before burial
The circumstances surrounding the bear’s death are being examined by forest authorities. As per the practice followed for wildlife carcasses, the post-mortem examination is conducted at the site, following which the remains are buried.
The incident has renewed concerns over the need to prevent wildlife deaths arising from conflict between animals and communities living in and around the Palamu Tiger Reserve.
