Bear attacks around Gudekote sanctuary leave trail of death and disabilities

Pic: Farmers injured in bear attacks from villages surrounding the Gudekote Bear Sanctuary in Kudligi taluk of Vijayanagara district; Gudekote sloth bear sanctuary.Kudligi (Vijayanagara): While sloth bears enjoy protection inside the Gudekote Bear Sanctuary, villagers living around the forest area say they are left to fend for themselves against frequent and often fatal bear attacks.Residents of villages surrounding Gudekote - including Bheemasamudra, Kadakolla, Halasagar, Mahadevapura, Appenahalli, Makanadaku, Geddalagatte and Hosahalli - say bear attacks rose steadily over the years. On average, at least 1 or 2 people lose their lives every year, and more than 10 suffer permanent disabilities due to bear attacks."Over the last 2 decades, more than 60 farmers in villages under Hosahalli hobli are permanently disabled and over 25 farmers have died in bear attacks," said Rajappa Pujar of Kadakolla village, who was left permanently disabled after a bear attack.Villagers say the govt usually limits its response to providing compensation and does not examine the causes or take steps to prevent attacks. On March 2, a shepherd named Obayya was killed in a bear attack, adding to the fear among residents.The threat forced farmers to avoid visiting their fields alone, while children are afraid to walk to school or college if they miss the bus. Residents say stepping out of their homes without company has became unthinkable.Ramappa Medar recalled that repeated attacks in 2005–06 forced residents of Bheemasamudra and Kadakolla villages to temporarily abandon their homes. "Since then, people rarely step out at night due to fear of bears," he said.Villagers say at least 1 farmer dies and 5 to 6 others suffer permanent disabilities every year. Bheemasamudra and Kadakolla villages are among the worst affected, with more than 35 farmers permanently disabled.Victims say the compensation given for serious injuries is insufficient to cover hospital expenses, and many did not receive disability pensions. The continuing fear has also affected marriage prospects of youths in these villages, forcing several to migrate elsewhere.Gudekote range forest officer Jagadish Medha said works at the Gudekote Bear Sanctuary are being carried out in phases and efforts are being made to ensure food and water for bears in the forest. However, the animals sometimes enter farmlands in search of fruits and vegetables."When farmers panic on seeing a bear and shout, the animals attack out of fear," he said, adding that steps will be taken to control bear attacks.In the absence of a clear policy and effective preventive measures, villagers living around the Gudekote Bear Sanctuary continue to live under the shadow of fear.