Black Bear Injures Man in Balakot, Wildlife Department Issues Safety Warnings

MANSEHRA: A black bear attacked and seriously injured a man in the Hangrai area of Balakot tehsil, prompting immediate medical attention and safety warnings from local wildlife officials.

Malik Amir, the sub-divisional officer (SDO) of the Balakot wildlife department, reported that the bear descended from nearby alpine forests into a populated area, injuring resident Taj Mohammad. Following the incident, Mohammad was transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Balakot, where he received medical treatment and a rabies vaccine.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in the region, particularly as black bears are drawn to agricultural fields in search of food, often leading to dangerous encounters with residents. The wildlife department has been proactive in conducting awareness sessions with local communities to mitigate such risks.

In response to the attack, a wildlife team visited the area to advise residents to avoid agricultural fields near Nadi forest, known habitats for black bears and common leopards. The department continues to emphasize the importance of safety measures to prevent future incidents.