Wildlife Department Refutes Reports of Delayed Response to Tral Bear Attack
Pulwama, Sep 1, KNT: The Wildlife Protection Department has refuted reports alleging a delayed response by its control-room staff following the black bear attack on a woman in Midoora village of Tral on August 28, stating that its officials reached the area promptly after receiving information about the incident.
In a communication issued by the Range Officer, Wildlife Range Khangund, the department said its control room received a phone call regarding the appearance of a black bear in Midoora Tral area and the attack on a lady, Fatima, wife of Nisar Ahmad Yatoo.
The department said its Block Officer, Khangund, along with field staff, reached the spot after receiving the information and carried out the required response as per the Standard Operating Procedure of the Wildlife Department.
It said geo-tagged photographs and videos documenting the field response were shared by the control-room officials in the department’s official WhatsApp group.
The Wildlife Department also stated that its officials visited Fatima’s residence on August 29 to ascertain her condition and inquire into the circumstances of the incident. The visit was undertaken by the Range Officer along with a casual labourer identified as Basher Ahmad, according to the communication.
Fatima had sustained injuries after being attacked by a black bear in the Midoora area on August 28 and was shifted to Sub-District Hospital Tral for treatment.
The department said the allegation that its control-room staff failed to respond promptly was baseless, maintaining that the officials had reached the location in time in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
Regarding the failure to capture the bear on the night of the incident, the department said the operation could not be carried out due to sunset and darkness.
It said further directions were issued on August 29 to install a bear cage in the area to facilitate capture of the animal and prevent inconvenience and further danger to residents. [KNT]
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