What you need to know about bear encounters in Goa

Last week, a 60-year-old man was seriously injured in a bear attack near the Kanakumbi checkpost close to the Goa border — a stark reminder of the growing frequency of bear encounters in Goa and nearby forested areas.

In response, many environmentalists are stepping up efforts to raise awareness and educate the public on how to stay safe during encounters in the wild.

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The Mhadei Research Centre, led by herpetologist and wildlifephotographer, Nirmal Kulkarni, has released an informative leaflet in English and Marathi to promote safety in bear-inhabited areas.

Aimed especially at villagers and trekkers, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about sloth bears – fascinating creatures – in their natural habitats.

STAY SAFE: The Mhadei Research Centre has released an informative leaflet in English and Marathi to raise awareness and promote safety in bear-inhabited areas.

BEARS IN GOA

Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), found in Goa, are classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. 

“Sloth bears are drawn to forests, open grassland plateaus and habitats with fruit-bearing trees and termite mounds. They also prefer laterite plateaus within forests and cave ecosystems,” says Kulkarni.  

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He further cautions that one should not enter caves without expert guidance or good reason.

“Caves are sensitive habitats and are best left undisturbed. Yes, bears, leopards and other large mammals often take refuge in caves during the monsoons and summer months, and also when they are raising litters.”

In Goa, sloth bears are generally found in the MollemNational Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and parts of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Kulkarni also notes that in recent times, bears have started residing in fringe forest areas and abandoned quarries, and rarely use man-made structures. “Again, these behavioural changes are due to habitat loss and need to be studied further,” he informs.

In recent times, bears have started residing in fringe forest areas and abandoned quarries, and rarely use man-made structures.

Bear attacks are often severe. According to Kulkarni, this is due to their poor eyesight and the nature of their attack. “Bears have short sight, but an excellent sense of smell. They can detect humans from a distance but may fail to notice them,” he says.

“Meanwhile, bears are well camouflaged in the forest and, more often than not, are encountered unexpectedly by humans. This surprise and chance human-bear interaction often causes the bears to go on the offensive and attack. Unlike other wildlife, they do not engage in mock charges, but attack with full strength and agility,” he adds.

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There’s also a notion that mother bear with cubs is more dangerous. He enlightens, “A mother bear with cubs will not tolerate intruders and will certainly charge if there is disturbance. But, this does not mean they will stalk humans and chase them without reason or provocation.”

It’s important to understand bear behaviour and characteristics, especially since human-bear interactions are increasing in Goa. Kulkarniopines that it could be because of habitat destruction and loss of fruit bearing trees.

“Bears are moving into human dominated landscapes to raid jackfruit and jamun trees. This results in unexpected encounters, and conflicts,” he says.

It’s important to understand bear behaviour and characteristics, especially since human-bear interactions are increasing in Goa.

He also points out that roadconstruction in forested areas, which are natural bear habitats, is another contributing factor.

He states that honking or chasing bears with vehicles can be a traumatic experience for them. Therefore, one should be mindful when entering wild or forested areas and follow the necessary dos and don’ts.