Bears are increasingly encroaching on herders’ homes in Northwestern China, leaving local communities searching for solutions.
On a summer afternoon in 2019, 28-year-old Jamyang heard whispers among villagers about a bear roaming near their homes. Living in a remote Tibetan village in the vast landscapes of Northwestern China, Jamyang had never encountered the animal himself and dismissed the rumors as mere folklore.
However, his skepticism turned to alarm when he discovered massive paw prints in his front yard—prints larger than his own head. \”I couldn’t believe my eyes,\” Jamyang recalled. \”It was both fascinating and terrifying to realize such a creature was so close to my home.\”
The increasing presence of bears in human-inhabited areas has become a pressing issue for herders in the region. Wildlife experts suggest that habitat loss and changes in the ecosystem may be driving bears closer to villages in search of food. The herders, whose livelihoods depend on their livestock and the safety of their families, are caught in a dilemma.
\”We respect nature and all its creatures,\” said Tsering, another local herder. \”But when our safety is at risk, we need solutions that protect both us and the wildlife.\”
Efforts to find a balance between conservation and community safety are ongoing. Authorities and environmental organizations are exploring measures such as setting up barriers, creating protected wildlife corridors, and educating locals on bear safety practices. However, implementing these solutions in the vast and rugged terrains of Northwestern China presents significant challenges.
As the bears continue to roam closer to human settlements, the herders remain vigilant. \”It’s a part of our life now,\” Jamyang admitted. \”We hope that together, we can find a way to coexist peacefully.\”
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Bears are encroaching on herders' houses in NW China, but solutions remain elusive
cgtn.com
