On the vast Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the Tibetan blue bear has long been the apex predator, reigning supreme over the rugged landscape. However, this dynamic is shifting in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, where stray dogs—sheltered by local monks at a temple—have emerged as unexpected rivals.
These stray canines, nurtured and protected by the monastic community, are fearlessly confronting the indigenous bears in a battle for food scraps stationed at the temple gates. Despite the considerable size difference, the dogs persistently challenge the bears, leading to frequent skirmishes that highlight the delicate balance between human intervention and wildlife behavior.
Local residents and wildlife enthusiasts are closely monitoring these interactions, concerned about the potential impacts on both the bear population and the stray dog community. Conservationists stress the importance of maintaining harmonious coexistence, urging measures that can mitigate conflicts while preserving the unique ecosystem of the Qinghai Plateau.
As summer unfolds on this high-altitude region, the ongoing tug-of-war between bears and stray dogs underscores the complexities of wildlife management in areas where human activities and natural habitats intersect.
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Summer on the plateau: Bears and stray dogs 'fight' for food
cgtn.com
