Uttarakhand records 2,046 big‑cat attacks as habitats shrink

Uttarakhand's wildlife authorities have documented 2,046 attacks by big cats such as leopards and tigers, marking a sharp rise in human‑wildlife conflict. Officials attribute the increase to the progressive loss of forest cover and fragmentation of natural habitats, which force predators closer to human settlements. The data, compiled over the recent reporting period, underscores growing safety concerns for residents in forest‑adjacent villages. Conservationists warn that without immediate habitat restoration and mitigation measures, the frequency of such encounters may continue to climb. The department is reviewing strategies to improve early warning systems and strengthen community awareness about coexistence with wildlife.