M R Illahie

Langate , March 16 (KNS): At least ten sheep were mauled to death by a black bear on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday in Audoora village of Langate in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Reports reaching KNS said that the bear forced its entry into a cowshed belonging to one Ghulam Mohammed Ahanger at Audoora overnight. "The wild animal before being chased away mauled at least ten sheep to death." 

Pertinent to mention here that this is the fourth such incident in the area and over 20 sheep in villages including Jahama, Haril, Audoora and Drangsou have been killed in  the last two weeks.

When contacted, block wildlife officer, Ghulam Mohuiddin Mir told KNS that the they have dearth of manpower and equipments to deal with such situations.

When asked about the spike in the incidents, the official said that the wild animals are making entry to human habitation apparently due to scarcity of food and growing deforestation in and around the area. (KNS)