Woman injured in third Bear attack in 6 days at PTR
PNS
Daltonganj
Human-bear conflict continues to escalate in the Mahuadarn range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), with a 36-year-old tribal woman becoming the third victim of a bear attack in the past six days.
The victim, Ismita Nagesia of Chiro village’s Longra Tola hamlet, suffered a laceration on her upper left thigh after being attacked by an adult sloth bear accompanied by two cubs on Friday evening.
According to PTR officials, the incident occurred around 6.30 pm while Ismita and her husband, Ramesh Nagesia, were returning home from Chatakpur market through a forest route. Ramesh, who was walking ahead, rushed back after hearing his wife’s cries and charged towards the bear, forcing it and its cubs to flee into the forest. Officials said his timely intervention likely prevented a more serious attack.
Ismita was taken to the Community Health Centre at Mahuadarn, where she received first aid, including a tetanus shot, anti-rabies vaccine and antibiotics, before being referred to Latehar for further treatment.
Forester-in-Charge Gurudayal Singh said the couple had entered the forest during evening hours, when bear activity is high. He urged people to avoid forest routes, especially during the ongoing wild mushroom collection season, which has increased human movement inside the reserve.
Officials attributed the recent rise in bear attacks to the bears’ breeding and cub-rearing season, when they become highly protective. Deputy Director (South Division) Kumar Ashish appealed to residents to avoid entering forests during this period and advised those who must do so to travel in groups. Despite repeated warnings, many villagers continue venturing into forests, leading to recurring human-bear conflicts in the reserve.
