Two tribal youths injured in bear attack in Palamu Tiger Reserve
The Jharkhand Story Network Daltonganj, July 9: Two tribal youths were injured in a bear attack in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR)…
The Jharkhand Story Network
Daltonganj, July 9: Two tribal youths were injured in a bear attack in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Wednesday evening, the second such incident reported in the protected area within four days.
The attack took place in the Jarha forest under the Mahuadarn range when the youths had entered the forest to collect wild mushrooms, forest officials said.
According to officials, Kamlesh Nagesia (16) and Pramod Kerketta (18), both residents of Jarha village, were collecting mushrooms when they encountered a bear accompanied by its cub around 4.45 p.m.
Forest officials said the bear first attacked Nagesia, inflicting injuries to his face, head and legs. Hearing his cries for help, Kerketta rushed to the spot but was also attacked by the animal before it retreated into the forest with its cub.
Forester-in-charge Gurudayal Singh said both youths sustained multiple claw injuries to the face and head.
Victims referred to Latehar hospital
The injured were given first aid at the Community Health Centre in Mahuadarn, where their wounds were treated. They were administered anti-tetanus and anti-rabies injections before being referred to Sadar Hospital in Latehar for further treatment.
Forest officials said another tribal resident was injured in a bear attack in the Kukudpat area under the Mahuadarn range on July 4. In that incident, the victim was reportedly attacked by three bears and is recovering.
Deputy Director (South Division), Palamu Tiger Reserve, Kumar Ashish, appealed to villagers to avoid venturing into forests during the evening, particularly during the monsoon season when people collect forest produce.
“People are putting themselves at risk by entering forests late in the evening in search of seasonal forest produce. Visibility reduces quickly inside the forest, increasing the chances of encounters with wild animals,” Kumar Ashish said.
Forest officials said the current breeding and cub-rearing season makes bears more defensive, increasing the likelihood of attacks if they perceive a threat or disturbance.
