Human Casualties and Livestock Depredation by Black and Brown Bears in the Indian Himalaya, 1989-98

January 1, 2003

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We documented human casualties, livestock killings, and crop damage by Asiatic black (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), Himachal Pradesh, India, 1989-98. There were 3 human casualties by black bears and 355 livestock killings by black and brown bears. Maximum casualties occurred in alpine pastures and forests. More casualties occurred in September (41%) than any other month, followed by May (13%) and June (13%). Monthly variation in livestock killings was correlated with livestock seasonal movement from alpine pastures and forests to low altitude villages. Most cases of cattle depredation (61%) were in evening (1601-2200 hr); 37% were at night or early morning (2201-0400 hr). Recommendations to reduce conflicts and conservation of bears are provided.

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