Wildlife – 32 Dead, Thousands Injured in J&K Animal Attacks
Wildlife – At least 32 people have lost their lives and hundreds more have been injured in wild animal attacks across Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years, highlighting the growing strain between expanding human settlements and wildlife habitats in the Union Territory.
Official Figures Presented in Assembly
The data was shared in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment in a written response to a query raised by National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul. According to the government’s statement, 32 fatalities were recorded in separate incidents involving wild animals during the last two financial years.
In 2023–24 alone, authorities documented 9,301 cases of wild animal attacks across the region. During this period, 18 people were killed while 137 sustained injuries. The figures point to a widespread challenge affecting both urban fringes and rural communities.
District-Wise Breakdown for 2023–24
Jammu district reported the highest number of cases at 1,444 incidents. Kupwara, located along the northern border, followed with 1,173 cases. Other districts that recorded significant numbers include Kishtwar with 998 incidents, Baramulla with 950, and Doda with 826.
Ramban reported 756 attacks, Bandipora 750, and Anantnag 667. Pulwama registered 367 cases, while Udhampur reported 230. Shopian saw 224 incidents and Budgam 218. Kulgam recorded 135 cases, Rajouri 110, and Ganderbal 92. Srinagar reported 86 attacks, Poonch 70, and Reasi 15. Samba was the only district that did not report any wild animal attack during that financial year.
Fresh Data for 2024–25
The trend continued into 2024–25, although the total number of incidents declined compared to the previous year. Authorities recorded 6,360 attacks during this period. Fourteen people lost their lives, and 213 were injured.
Jammu again topped the list with 1,341 reported incidents. Ramban followed with 686 cases, and Kishtwar recorded 673. Anantnag reported 637 incidents, while Doda registered 609.
Pulwama saw 381 attacks, Udhampur 311, and Budgam 309. Kupwara recorded 252 cases. Shopian accounted for 219 incidents, Baramulla 182, Kathua 174, Bandipora 153, and Kulgam 143. Ganderbal and Poonch each reported 82 incidents, Rajouri 80, and Srinagar 46. During this period, Samba and Reasi districts did not record any wild animal attack.
Measures to Curb Human–Wildlife Conflict
Responding to concerns over the rising conflict, the minister stated that the Department of Wildlife has adopted a broad strategy to manage and reduce such incidents, both within protected forest areas and in populated zones.
A network of 42 control rooms has been established across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure rapid response to wildlife emergencies. These units operate around the clock and are equipped with tranquilizer guns, medical supplies, capture nets, cages, rescue tools, and dedicated vehicles. Trained staff members are deployed to handle emergency calls and field operations.
In areas identified as vulnerable, special cages and trapping equipment have been installed to capture animals that pose a threat to human life or property. Once captured, animals are tranquilized when necessary and relocated to suitable habitats or designated rescue facilities in accordance with established wildlife management protocols.
The government has also intensified regular patrolling and surveillance in districts with frequent incidents. Quick response teams remain on standby in high-risk zones. Warning signage has been installed in sensitive areas to alert residents, and preventive steps are being implemented to reduce encounters between people and wild animals.
The official response underscores the administration’s efforts to balance wildlife conservation with public safety as Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness a steady rise in human–animal conflict cases.