Tribal man mauled by 3 sloth bears in PTR, escapes with severe injuries
PNS
Daltonganj
A 32-year-old man belonging to a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) sustained grievous injuries after being attacked by a pack of three sloth bears, including a cub, near the Mahuadarn range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Friday evening.
The victim, Kishun Nagesia, a resident of Kukudpat village under Orsa panchayat, was returning home after collecting rugda (wild mushrooms) from the forests when he encountered the bears outside the Koyladah protected forest.
According to PTR officials, sloth bears, particularly females with cubs, are highly protective and may attack humans if they perceive a threat. Nagesia suffered multiple injuries to his head, hands, legs and back. Officials said his presence of mind in lying face down during the attack likely saved him from fatal facial injuries, as sloth bears often stand on their hind legs and strike with their sharp claws.
He was rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Mahuadarn, where doctors treated him for over an hour with anti-bleeding medication, anti-rabies vaccine, antibiotics, wound dressing and stitches. Owing to the severity of his head injuries, he was later referred to Sadar Hospital, Latehar, in an ambulance arranged by PTR authorities. The reserve also provided his family with immediate financial assistance of ₹5,000.
Deputy Director (South Division) of PTR, Kumar Ashish, appealed to villagers to avoid entering forests, especially during the evening, to collect mushrooms or other forest produce. He said the Mahuadarn range has a sizeable population of sloth bears with cubs, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Wild mushrooms fetch ₹150–₹200 per kg in urban markets, prompting villagers to venture into forests despite the danger. PTR officials noted that a similar bear attack had occurred in the area in 2022, underscoring the recurring threat.
