A woman was mauled to death by a wild bear while working in an orchard in Tarigam area of Kulgam district on Monday, in the first reported fatal bear attack of the season in Kashmir.
The deceased was identified as Lateefa Banu, wife of Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Tarigam.
Officials and local residents said Banu was working in the orchard when the bear attacked her. She died at the scene.
The attack has raised fresh concern among orchard workers as apple harvesting gains pace across Kashmir.
Several people have been injured in bear attacks reported from different parts of Kashmir in August.
Leopard attacks and sightings have also been reported from different parts of the valley this month, adding to concerns over human-wildlife encounters.
Wildlife officials have advised orchard workers to remain alert, particularly in areas close to forests, and immediately report sightings of wild animals to the department.
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