Family mistook for thief, but it turned out to be massive wild bear
TNR News Network
DALHOUSIE: A family in Kholpukhar area of Dalhousie in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh woke up to a shock last week after what they initially believed was a midnight burglary turned out to be something far more alarming.
CCTV footage showed that the “intruder” was not a thief but a massive wild bear, a “black wild monster”, as locals are calling it, which broke into their home, smashed a kitchen window and calmly walked away with cooked food.
Bear menace peaks in Dalhousie
For weeks, residents in the Chamba district’s hill town have been reporting frequent sightings of wild bears venturing far beyond the forests. These animals have been spotted strolling through markets, loitering by roadsides and increasingly reaching people’s doorsteps. Forest officials say the situation has escalated rapidly, with bears repeatedly entering residential zones in search of food.
In the latest incident, the bear barged through the iron enclosure outside Jagdish Kumar’s house and made its way directly to the kitchen window. Within minutes, it smashed the frame, slipped inside and rummaged through stored food. After spending nearly five minutes in the kitchen, the animal left as quietly as it came.
Family in shock after checking CCTV
Homeowner Jagdish Kumar recounted the frightening discovery: “When I woke up and saw the broken window, I was convinced a thief had come in. But when I checked the CCTV footage, I froze. A huge bear had pushed its way inside.”
Kumar said the animal sniffed around his bedroom door before turning to the kitchen. “Thankfully it didn’t enter the other rooms, otherwise who knows what could have happened,” he added. The incident has left the family deeply rattled.
Locals demand urgent intervention
Residents say such break-ins are no longer isolated. Several households in and around Dalhousie have reported their kitchen windows being smashed at night and food stolen by bears. Fear in the community is rising with every new sighting.
Kumar has appealed to the Forest Department to take swift action. “Bear movement has increased dangerously. The authorities must act before a major tragedy occurs,” he said.
Officials are expected to conduct an assessment of the area and consider measures to prevent further incursions, as the bear population continues to edge closer to human settlements.
