A wave of terror has gripped villages in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district as a marauding bear has shifted its focus from humans to livestock, attacking the very economic backbone of local communities. The predator has slaughtered at least ten goats and left several others missing across two villages in the Sihunta tehsil, compounding an already tense atmosphere following recent fatal attacks on residents.
Livestock Targeted in New Year Attacks
The attacks unfolded over the New Year period in the villages of Padwal and Suhar. According to Garnota Panchayat vice-president Arun Kumar Sharma, the spree began on January 1 when a bear attempted to break into a residential home in Padwal. While the occupant, Kunj Lal, escaped unharmed, the animal then smashed through the window of a nearby shed, killing seven goats.
The violence continued just two days later on January 3. In Suhar village, a bear forced its way into another animal enclosure, killing three more goats. At least six other goats remain missing and are feared dead. "These families depend on livestock for their livelihood," Sharma emphasized. "The financial losses are devastating, and the panic is widespread."
Compounding Fear: A Rising Human Toll
The livestock killings have intensified an existing climate of fear stemming from a recent spike in bear-on-human violence in the region. In a nearby village, 50-year-old Satya Devi was killed in a bear attack. In another tragic incident, Guddu Devi, in her 60s, sustained life-threatening injuries and had to be transferred to Tanda Hospital for specialized treatment.
The cumulative effect has paralyzed daily life. Villagers are now reportedly refusing to leave their homes after sunset, and children are being kept indoors as the community desperately looks to authorities for protection and solutions.
Policy Gaps Leave Villagers Frustrated
Sihunta range officer Sanjeev Kumar confirmed that officials have verified six of the goat deaths and initiated compensation claims for the affected families. However, a critical discrepancy in wildlife management policy has sparked frustration and anger among locals.
Kumar explained that while the forest department routinely deploys cages and traps following attacks on humans, such proactive measures are rarely taken when livestock are the only targets. "Such incidents are generally considered part of natural wildlife behaviour," he noted, outlining the official stance.
This policy leaves villagers feeling abandoned. As the forest department hesitates to trap predators involved in "livestock-only" attacks, the pressing question among residents is: how many more animals—or lives—must be lost before decisive action is taken? The situation in Chamba highlights the deepening conflict where wildlife conservation efforts clash directly with human security and economic survival.
