Bear attack on livestock rouses fears of worse confrontations at Nom Panang

MANGAN, 10 July: A bear killed two goats belonging to Tashi Namgyal Lepcha of Nom Panang today. Apart from the fear of attacks on humans, villagers also fear that their standing crops will also be destroyed by the animal. Such confrontations have happened in the past in the region. 
The villagers complain that they have been complaining to the Forest Department for many days now but no action has been taken.
“We have also submitted a written complaint to the Dzongu Range Officer, Dzongu but there has been no response from the department till date,” said Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha of Nom Panang while speaking to NOW! today.
There are 32 households in the village of Nom Panang which falls under Saffo-Passingdang GPU of Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim. The villagers also claim that the maize crops for this year’s season which was nearing harvest time has been totally damaged by bears.
Villagers are also afraid of attacks when they go out to collect fodder and firewood. The residents expressed that the Forest Department should take immediate action in order to stop further damage to crops and human life before it is too late.