Bear activity has intensified in populated areas of Chamoli district, where livestock attacks are causing fear across several villages. The animal has reportedly been breaking into cattle sheds and killing animals, with Pokhari emerging as the worst-affected area.
Data from the Kedarnath Wildlife Division shows that bears killed 40 cattle last year. In earlier years, the figure had generally remained between 5 and 10. About 15 cattle have been killed so far this year, according to the available figures.
Villages reporting repeated attacks
The strongest concern has been reported from Pokhari, Jyotirmath and Dasholi. In Pokhari block, incidents have been reported from Bangthal, Dungar, Kandi Chandrashila, Jaurasi, Bhikona and Kimotha villages in the Chandrashila Patti.
Residents in these villages say bears have entered cattle sheds, damaged the structures and killed livestock. Reports have also emerged of bears eating the humps and udders of dead animals. The repeated incidents have increased anxiety among rural families who keep cattle near their homes.
Kedarnath Wildlife Division Divisional Forest Officer Rajat Suman said the bear is an omnivorous animal. Its diet includes fruit, roots, grass, insects, small mammals and meat.
Suman said the rising cattle attacks could indicate a change in the animal’s behaviour. He said bear activity was particularly high in the Pokhari and Jyotirmath areas. Officials will study the animal’s behaviour and monitor it using a radio collar.
Earlier incidents added to concern
The latest livestock attacks follow other bear-related incidents in the district. On 3 September, 2 women collecting grass in the forest at Sideli Tok of Nel village, in Pokhari block, fell into a gorge while trying to escape a bear. Both died at the spot.
In December 2025, a bear entered Government Upper Primary School Harishankar, injuring 2 students. The Kedarnath Wildlife Division placed a cage in the affected area to capture the animal, but fear among residents continued.
The current concern is not limited to isolated sightings. The reported entry into cattle sheds, the increase in livestock deaths and the animal’s activity near settlements have placed pressure on forest officials to understand its movements.
Radio-collar monitoring is the next stated step from the wildlife division. The available information does not indicate that the animal has been captured, and officials have not provided a confirmed explanation for the reported behavioural change.
Conclusion
Chamoli’s bear conflict has become more serious for livestock owners, particularly in Pokhari and nearby areas. Forest officials suspect changing behaviour and plan radio-collar monitoring while residents continue to face attacks around settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many cattle were killed by bears last year?
The Kedarnath Wildlife Division recorded 40 cattle deaths caused by bears last year.
Q. How many cattle have been killed so far this year?
About 15 cattle have reportedly been killed so far this year.
Q. Which Chamoli areas are reporting high bear activity?
Bear activity has been reported particularly in Pokhari and Jyotirmath, with incidents also noted in Dasholi.
Q. Which villages in Pokhari block have reported attacks?
Bangthal, Dungar, Kandi Chandrashila, Jaurasi, Bhikona and Kimotha have reported bear attacks on livestock.
Q. What will forest officials do next?
Officials plan to study the bear’s behaviour and monitor it using a radio collar.
Q. Have there been earlier bear-related incidents in the area?
Yes. 2 women died after falling into a gorge while escaping a bear on 3 September, and 2 students were injured when a bear entered Government Upper Primary School Harishankar in December 2025.
Q. Was the bear captured after the school incident?
A cage was placed in the affected area to capture the bear, but the reported fear among residents did not end.
