Following a spate of attacks by Asiatic black bears in Uttarakhand, the forest department has released a slew of directions, including shooting to kill as a last resort. Five people have died in these attacks this year.

The guidelines for the prevention and management of human–bear conflict during the winter season were issued on Thursday. This is the pre-hibernation period for bears, when bears that hibernate during winter are found active in several areas, the department said. It attributed the possible causes for changes in bear behaviour to climate change, reduced food availability, improper waste management, and disturbance to habitat.

On Thursday, a woman injured in a bear attack while foraging in Chamoli had to be airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

New guidelines

The guidelines inclu

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