Wildlife Official Decries Shortage of Staff, Equipments
Murtaza Mushtaq
Kupwara, Mar 16: At least ten sheep were mauled to death by a black bear on intervening Tuesday night in Audoora village Handwara in north-Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Reports reaching GNS said that the beast forced its entry into a cowshed belonging to one Ghulam Mohammed Ahanger at Audoora overnight. The beast before being chased away mauled at least ten sheep.
Pertinent to mention here that this is fourth incident of its type as the area has lost nearly twenty-two sheep in villages including Jahama, Haril, Audoora and Drangsou over last two weeks now.
When contacted Block Wildlife Officer Ghulam Mohuiddin Mir told GNS that the they have dearth of manpower and equipments to deal with such situations.
When asked about the spike in the incidents, the official said that “Wildlife animals are making entry to human habitation apparently due to scarcity of food and growing deforestation in and around the area.” (GNS)
