PNS
Daltonganj
Human-bear conflict has intensified in Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), with five people, including a woman, injured in four separate bear attacks over the past seven days. Forest officials say the incidents highlight the growing interface between human activity and wildlife habitats during the fruiting season.
The latest attack occurred on Sunday under the Mahuadarn Range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where 40-year-old farmer Tilku Nagesia was severely mauled by two young bears near his house at Donga Pani in Chiroo village. According to Forester-in-Charge Gurudayal Singh, the attack took place barely 10 metres from the victim’s residence.
Nagesia suffered multiple deep wounds on his face, head, back and legs and lost a significant amount of blood. He was first administered emergency treatment, including anti-tetanus and anti-rabies injections along with high-dose antibiotics, at the Community Health Centre in Mahuadarn before being referred to a higher medical facility in Latehar.
Forest officials said the bears had ventured close to the village because of ripe jackfruits falling from trees in the area. The strong smell of the fruit is known to attract sloth bears. Nagesia was reportedly heading towards his farmland with an ox when the animals approached the site where the fallen jackfruits lay. The ox managed to escape unharmed after running away on spotting the bears.
With Sunday’s incident, the number of bear attacks reported from the reserve has risen to four since July 4, leaving five people injured. Among the victims, Ismita Nagesia, the only woman attacked, escaped with comparatively minor laceration injuries. The remaining four victims sustained moderate to severe injuries, according to Palamu Tiger Reserve sources.
Forest authorities have extended immediate financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to Tilku Nagesia’s family. Under the revised compensation policy, victims of wildlife attacks are eligible for medical assistance ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 2 lakh, depending on the severity of their injuries.
