Sloth Bear Attack in Shivamogga Village Leaves Farmer Critically Injured
Panic gripped Harogoppa village in Shikaripura taluk of Shivamogga district after a farmer was brutally mauled by a sloth bear in the early hours of Thursday. The terrifying incident occurred when the victim, identified as Somla Naik, ventured to his paddy field before dawn to switch on an irrigation motor.
Details of the Terrifying Encounter
According to forest department officials, a sloth bear moving in the area with its calf appears to have perceived Naik as a potential threat. The animal suddenly charged at the farmer from behind, catching him completely off guard. The bear reportedly pounced on Naik with tremendous force, inflicting severe and life-threatening injuries to his neck, back, and abdomen.
Despite the ferocious attack, Naik managed to raise an alarm with desperate screams that startled the animal. The bear retreated into nearby bushes, allowing the critically injured farmer to escape the immediate danger zone.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Bleeding heavily from multiple wounds, Naik somehow managed to make his way away from the field and reached the Harogoppa bus stand. Villagers discovered him there later in the morning in a semi-conscious condition and immediately arranged for emergency medical assistance.
The injured farmer was first taken to Shikaripura government hospital for initial treatment before being shifted to McGann District Hospital for more advanced medical care. His condition remains serious but stable under medical supervision.
Forest Department's Response and Compensation Assurance
Forest department officials visited the hospital and assured Naik's family that compensation would be provided to cover his medical expenses. DCF (Sagar division) Mohammed Fayajuddin told media representatives that the department is closely monitoring the area and will deploy cages if the animal is sighted near human habitations again.
"Since this is a single incident reported from this area, we cannot approach the power utility to alter electricity supply timings," Fayajuddin explained. "Farmers need to remain cautious, and we are spreading awareness about safety measures in wildlife-prone regions."
Broader Concerns About Farmer Safety
This incident has once again highlighted significant safety concerns among farmers who must work during odd hours in areas with wildlife presence. In many rural regions, three-phase power supply for agricultural purposes is available only late at night or in the early morning hours.
This electricity scheduling forces farmers to venture into their fields during darkness, substantially increasing the risk of dangerous encounters with wild animals. The problem is particularly acute in areas known for sloth bear populations.
Following a series of similar sloth bear attacks in the Bhadravathi division earlier, the forest department had requested Mescom (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company) to revise power supply schedules to reduce such risks. However, implementing such changes across all affected areas remains challenging.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between agricultural needs and wildlife conservation in India's rural landscapes, where human-animal conflicts continue to pose serious challenges to community safety and wildlife protection efforts.
