Bear Attack in Dehradun: Woman Injured, Residents on High Alert

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A 43-year-old woman, Sushila Bhandari, was severely injured when a bear attacked her in the Doiwala-Jolly Grant area of Dehradun district in Uttarakhand on Thursday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, with local residents fearing for their safety. According to forest officials, the woman was collecting fodder in her agricultural field when the bear suddenly emerged and pounced on her. Following the attack, forest officials have increased vigilance and patrolling across the Doiwala, Dehradun, and Rishikesh ranges. Wildlife experts have expressed concern over the growing trend of wild animals venturing into plains and residential areas. 'This is a dangerous sign,' said Gagan Matta, an assistant professor at Gurukul Kangri University. 'The presence of oak trees in this belt is attracting bears, and the fact that wildlife is moving towards human settlements is a cause for alarm.' Forest officials are taking steps to prevent further incidents, including launching an awareness campaign in the affected villages. Residents are being advised to move in groups, use firecrackers or beat drums to deter animals, and avoid dumping biodegradable waste near homes. In a separate incident, forest teams have deployed drone surveillance in Nyalsu village of Rudraprayag district to track a bear that attacked a 55-year-old villager earlier this week. Forest and environment minister Subodh Uniyal has directed divisional and sub-divisional forest officers to reach conflict sites immediately and sensitise local communities. The state government has announced time-bound compensation and increased relief for those injured or killed in wild animal attacks, which Uniyal attributes to climate change. 'The state government is taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents and protect the lives of our citizens,' he said.