Indian farmers adopt bear costumes to deter monkey crop raiders

March 16, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Indian farmers adopt bear costumes to deter monkey crop raiders

Farmers in Northern India Employ Unconventional Method to Deter Monkey Invasions

Residents of northern India are taking an unusual approach to protect their crops from marauding monkeys. The measure involves donning bear costumes, a tactic aimed at deterring the primates from raiding homes and farmlands.

According to reports, hundreds of monkeys have been causing disruptions in local communities, leading farmers to seek alternative methods to safeguard their properties. In response, some residents have resorted to dressing up as bears, utilizing the perceived threat posed by these animals to keep the monkeys at bay.

Details on the effectiveness of this strategy are limited, but it is clear that the measure has been adopted by a significant number of farmers in the region. The use of bear costumes is an innovative solution to a long-standing problem, and its adoption reflects the resourcefulness of local residents in addressing their concerns.

Monkeys have been a persistent issue for farmers in northern India, with many reporting damage to crops and property. Authorities have not commented on the effectiveness of this particular approach, but it is evident that residents are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of these invasive animals.

The use of bear costumes as a deterrent against monkeys has sparked interest among local authorities and experts, who may consider this tactic in their efforts to address similar issues in other regions.

Source: Al Jazeera