Bear-human conflict prompts proposal for nature reserve

CHENGDU, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Increased conflict between the black bear population and villagers in a mountainous region of southwest China has prompted local authorities to create a proposal for a nature reserve to protect the species.

On Nov. 30, Zhou Shigui, a 63-year-old villager in an area administered by the city of Wanyuan in Sichuan Province, was attacked by a black bear when he was cutting down bamboo, becoming the third local victim of a bear attack since the 1980s, according municipal authorities.

The case happened days after a group of zoologists from Beijing Forestry University surveyed the bear population and found that the animals are "in a good condition."

Local authorities will apply for the establishment of the nature reserve and hope to relocate villagers living in the bear habitat.

"The bear was taller than me!" recalled Zhou. As the bear bit him, Zhou said he caught its paws and kicked its belly, before it fled.

Zhou suffered serious wounds to his face and head, requiring 60 stitches.

Rural medical insurance and the local government will cover his medical costs as he is registered as an impoverished resident.

The local bear population numbers 20 to 30 and villagers have often seen groups of four or seven bears since the 1980s, according to Tong Xiaojia, a local forestry official.

The bears enter villages to steal fruit in March and April and honey in July and August, and have destroyed dozens of hectares of farmland, according to Tong.

The increased bear activity reflects the improved environment as a result of measures to protect forests, Tong said. Enditem