Fear grips Uddanam as bears stray into villages

Residents of Sompeta, Vajrapukotturu and surrounding villages are spending sleepless nights as bears continue to roam close to human settlements, triggering fear and anxiety among locals. Despite fencing put up around cashew, mango and coconut groves, the animals are repeatedly breaching the barriers in search of food, officials said.

Forest officials confirmed that a bear which got trapped in a fence while entering a grove was rescued and shifted to the Visakhapatnam Zoological Park for treatment on Sunday. They said the animal sustained minor injuries during the incident. Officials have also observed the movement of three to four bears in Batu Puram, Rajam, Akkupalli, Metturu and nearby villages over the past few weeks, raising concerns among residents.

Frequent sightings have forced several farmers to avoid entering their fields, especially during early morning and evening hours. Many fear sudden attacks. In March 2023, a bear killed Ch. Lokanatham and A. Kurma Rao and injured several others in the region. Following the incident, villagers in the Uddanam region have largely stopped visiting mango, cashew and coconut groves, affecting routine agricultural activities.

Forest department officials said the availability of abundant food and water in Uddanam water bodies is attracting bears from neighbouring Odisha into the region. They added that the animals are moving closer to habitations as water sources dry up in forest areas.

Officials, including Nagendra and K. Naidu, advised residents to remain alert while moving through paddy fields and groves over the next three days. They said patrolling has been intensified in vulnerable areas to prevent untoward incidents.

Villagers urged the forest department to capture the bears at the earliest and ensure their safety from further attacks. They also called for long-term measures to prevent wildlife from straying into human settlements.