Srinagar, August 31, 2025 – In a shocking incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir, a 45-year-old man named Ghulam Mohammad Niyaki was critically injured after being attacked by a bear in his orchard in Chhatri Pora, Kulgam. The attack occurred on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the Chaterpora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, leaving locals on high alert amid rising concerns over wildlife encroachments in agricultural lands.According to officials, the victim, a resident of Chitrapora (also referred to locally as Chhatri Pora), was working alone in his orchard when the bear suddenly emerged and pounced on him, inflicting severe injuries to his upper body and limbs. Eyewitnesses and local residents quickly responded to his cries for help, rushing to the scene to scare away the animal and rescue Niyaki. “The bear was aggressive, likely provoked by the proximity to human settlements and food sources in the orchards,” said a local wildlife official, emphasising the need for better awareness and preventive measures in bear-prone areas. Niyaki was immediately transported to the District Hospital (DH) Kulgam for initial treatment, where medical staff stabilized his condition.
However, due to the critical nature of his wounds, including deep lacerations and possible internal injuries, he was referred to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, Srinagar, for advanced care. As of Sunday morning, his condition remains serious, with doctors monitoring him closely in the intensive care unit.This bear attack is part of a disturbing pattern of human-animal conflicts in the Kashmir Valley, where rapid urbanization and deforestation have pushed wildlife like black bears closer to human habitats. Similar incidents have been reported in Kulgam and neighboring districts in recent years, including attacks on wildlife officials and orchard workers. Authorities have urged residents to avoid venturing into orchards alone, especially during dawn and dusk when bears are most active, and to report sightings to the wildlife department promptly.
The Wildlife Protection Department has dispatched a team to the area to track the bear and assess potential translocation needs, while local authorities are conducting awareness campaigns on safety protocols. “We are committed to balancing conservation efforts with public safety,” stated a senior official from the department.
