Bears in by-lanes, city on paws

Srinagar, Dec 4: From campus corridors to hospital gates, a wandering bear has turned everyday life in Srinagar into a nightly vigil.

Multiple sightings across Srinagar’s most crowded neighbourhoods sparked citywide panic as an elusive sub-adult bear has evaded six search teams.

With garbage-fed hideouts, narrow lanes, and early nights aiding its movements, officials race to capture the animal while residents navigate fear-filled evenings.

Days of repeated wild bear sightings across Srinagar’s densely inhabited neighbourhoods have triggered panic among residents, forcing many to remain indoors amid fears of an attack.

The unusual movement of the animal through thickly populated localities, including educational and health institutions, has left the summer capital on edge, with wildlife officials continuing an extensive search amid no trace of the animal.

The first appearance was reported last week from the University of Kashmir (KU) campus in Hazratbal and adjoining localities, where CCTV footage widely shared on social media showed the bear roaming near residential quarters during late evening hours.

Soon after, the animal was again spotted within the premises of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, the largest tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, adding to the fears as thousands of attendants and staff move in and out of the facility round the clock.

Later, reports and videos emerged from the Saderbal, Nigeen, and Lal Bazaar belt, confirming multiple sightings across Srinagar.

Locals said that the sightings revived deep-rooted panic among the public, particularly because these regions are thickly populated and characterised by narrow lanes and night-time mobility. Residents say the fear is more intense this time, as the sun sets early and people are compelled to travel in the dark.

“Even the thought of walking outside after evening is terrifying. I skipped my classes for the last two days because I could not take the risk of getting stuck on campus after dusk. Everyone around is discussing the bear. The students are scared,” said a female student at KU.

Locals in Hazratbal said they have been alerting each other through community groups since the first sighting.

“We keep forwarding messages and CCTV visuals to ensure nobody moves unnecessarily. These are panic-filled days. At night, even stepping out to buy medicine or milk feels risky,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal.

Attendants at SKIMS also expressed concern, saying the situation has put them in distress.

“Many attendants have to step out late for medicines and food. With the news of the bear roaming near the hospital, there is fear everywhere,” said Ghulam Hassan, an attendant at a hospital.

In recent years, Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) has sharply escalated around Srinagar.

Several attacks have occurred in the Harwan-Foreshore Road belt, some proving fatal, leaving grim memories among people who now fear a repeat of such tragedies.

Wildlife Warden Central Kashmir, Parvaiz Wani, said the animal being sighted is a single sub-adult bear, not a fully grown one.

He said Hazratbal and adjoining zones have become a conducive habitat for the bear due to unattended land patches, thick bushes, and abundant food waste generated by restaurants and food outlets.

“These conditions provide both shelter and food, which is why the animal is able to stay hidden and change locations quickly. This makes the capture operation more difficult,” Wani said. He said six specialist teams had been deployed and that search operations had now been extended into water-connected zones.

“Today, we pressed motorboats into service to access land around water bodies. Teams are working continuously to safely capture the bear and relocate it,” Wani said.

The official urged people to stay cautious and cooperate with the department.

“People should not venture out unnecessarily, and children must not be allowed outside after sundown. Those going for prayers should move in groups and carry lights. Most importantly, do not disturb the animal and give it the way if spotted. Report sightings immediately to our control room numbers and allow our teams to handle the situation,” the officials said.