Nilgiris forest officials hold awareness drive on sloth bear safety

Officials from the Mukurthi Forest Range under the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) conducted the awareness meeting to address the growing concern of human-wildlife conflict in the region. The session brought together residents from villages including Manjoor and surrounding settlements to discuss practical measures for minimising interactions with sloth bears.

The forest department highlighted the importance of adopting precautionary measures such as securing food sources, avoiding nocturnal movement in forested areas, and reporting bear sightings to authorities. Officials also educated participants on recognising bear behaviour and appropriate responses during unexpected encounters.

Sloth bears, native to the region, have increasingly ventured into human settlements in search of food, particularly during lean seasons. Such interactions have resulted in injuries and fatalities in recent years, prompting the forest department to intensify community engagement programmes.

The Mukurthi Forest Range, part of the larger Mudumalai Tiger Reserve ecosystem, has seen rising human-wildlife tensions as local communities expand agricultural activities in bear habitats. The awareness drive is part of a broader strategy to promote coexistence between wildlife and residents through education and preventive action.