Bear Terror In Heaven On Earth: Attacks Two Siblings in Anantnag Orchard, Both Injured

Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir | September 15, 2026

Two siblings were injured after a wild bear attacked them in an orchard in the Kralmad area of Dooru in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, adding to growing concerns over human-bear encounters in the Valley’s rural and orchard landscapes.

Siblings attacked in orchard

The brother and sister were reportedly in their family orchard when the bear suddenly appeared and attacked them. Local residents rushed to their assistance and the injured siblings were taken for medical treatment. A wildlife team from the Dooru control room subsequently reached the area and began efforts to locate and capture the animal.

There are conflicting reports about the siblings’ ages. The Hans India identifies them as Aabid Nazir, 25, and Sehrish Nazir, 14, while local Kashmir reports give different ages. All reports identify them as children of Nazir Ahmad Rather of Kralmad. The Hans India says they were initially taken to Sub-District Hospital Dooru.

Bear encounters a growing concern in Kashmir

The incident comes during the apple-harvesting season, when people spend long periods working in orchards that may lie close to forested areas. Local reporting says wildlife officials have advised residents to avoid venturing alone during vulnerable hours and to move in groups while visiting orchards.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a serious issue across Jammu and Kashmir. Government figures cited by The Hans India show 9,301 conflict cases and 18 deaths in 2023–24, followed by more than 6,300 cases and 14 deaths in 2024–25. Anantnag is among the districts recording frequent wildlife-related distress calls and encounters.

The latest attack once again highlights the difficult challenge of ensuring the safety of people working in orchards and agricultural areas while protecting wildlife moving through increasingly shared landscapes.

For communities along Kashmir’s forest edges, early warnings, rapid wildlife response and simple precautions during orchard work could be crucial in preventing encounters from turning into tragedies.

Source credit: , with additional reporting from Kashmir Life and The Kashmir Horizon.