A brown bear attacked two farmers and killed several goats in the Hangrai area of Balakot, Mansehra, on Friday. Liaqat Ali, one of the injured farmers, said he was cutting grass in his field when the bear suddenly attacked him. “The animal bit my arm, and I fell to the ground. I was lucky to survive,” he told reporters from his hospital bed.
Ali was taken to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, where doctors treated his wounds and admitted him for further care. He is now reported to be in stable condition.
According to locals, brown bears have been sighted several times in the area, but authorities have yet to take effective measures. “Despite our repeated complaints, the Wildlife Department has done nothing to keep the bears confined to the forest,” Liaqat Ali said.
Another farmer was also injured in the incident, and around six goats were killed in separate attacks, residents claimed.
Sub-Divisional Wildlife Officer Danial Mughal confirmed the incidents, saying the department had compiled a report on the injuries and livestock losses to send to higher authorities for compensation.
He added that efforts were underway to prevent wild animals from entering populated areas and to ensure they remain within their natural forest habitats.
