Betia, Bihar: An elderly man was seriously injured after a wild bear attacked him near Govardhana village in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve area of West Champaran district.
The incident occurred on Thursday when 75-year-old Sukhal Mahto from Govardhana village had gone near the West Singhi River for his daily routine. Suddenly, a wild bear hiding in the bushes attacked him, biting his right hand.
Local villagers and forest officials nearby raised an alarm, forcing the bear to flee back into the forest. The sudden attack has caused fear among the residents of the area.
With the help of local villagers, forest personnel immediately arranged for Sukhal Mahto to be taken to the Primary Health Centre in Ramnagar by departmental ambulance. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to GMC Hospital for advanced treatment.
Dr. D.S. Arya, the in-charge medical officer, confirmed that Mahto sustained severe bite wounds on his right hand and is receiving further medical care at GMC.
Forest guard Manish Kumar Sharma stated that the bear was hiding in the bushes along the banks of the Singhi River when it attacked the elderly man. Fortunately, the presence of people nearby helped in scaring the bear away.
Govardhana forest area officer Sanjeev Kumar said that a forest guard accompanied the injured during treatment. He assured that an investigation is underway and the injured will receive appropriate compensation as per rules.
Local residents expressed their concern over frequent wild animal attacks after animals venture out from the forest, creating an atmosphere of anxiety. They also urged the forest department to take more serious and effective measures to ensure their safety.
