Climate Change Fuels Uttarakhand Bear Attacks: Hibernation Shortened, Food Scarce

• Climate change in Uttarakhand shortens bear hibernation from 120 to 50-60 days due to less snowfall and rising temperatures.
• Prematurely awakened bears lack natural food, forcing them into villages and towns, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict.
• Exploitation of forests, deforestation, and illegal felling of oak trees destroy bears' primary food sources.
• Resorts and human activities near forests stress bears and block their traditional movement corridors.
• Incomplete hibernation makes bears aggressive, increasing attack incidents and creating fear among villagers.

Why It Matters: Climate change, deforestation, and human encroachment are driving a surge in aggressive bear attacks in Uttarakhand.