A 19-year-old girl sustained grievous injuries after being attacked by a bear that had strayed from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bihar's West Champaran district. The incident occurred on Friday in Sevarhi Barwa village under the Gobardhana police station area.
Details of the Terrifying Attack
The victim, identified as Phoolwanti Kumari, had gone to collect fodder for her cattle in fields behind her house. According to her family member, Subhavati Devi, the bear had wandered from the VTR into the residential area. It was lying hidden in a sugar cane field when it launched a sudden attack on Phoolwanti.
Hearing her desperate cries, villagers rushed to the scene. They managed to drive the bear away after considerable effort. The injured girl was immediately taken to the community health centre (CHC) in Ramnagar for first aid. Due to the severity of her wounds, she was subsequently referred to the Bettiah Government Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.
Medical Assessment and Forest Department Response
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, the medical officer at Ramnagar CHC, provided details of the injuries. The bear injured the girl's head. She also suffered a deep wound on her hand, which medical professionals believe occurred when she tried to fend off the animal and escape its grip.
Upon receiving information about the attack, a team from the forest department's Raghiya Range arrived in the village. Their primary objective is to drive the bear back into the safety of the forest and prevent further conflict. The team has issued a crucial advisory to local residents, urging them to:
- Exercise extreme caution.
- Avoid going to fields or isolated areas alone.
- Immediately report any sighting of wild animals to the forest department.
Rising Concerns Over Human-Wildlife Conflict
This alarming incident highlights the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in areas bordering protected reserves like the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Such encounters pose a significant risk to both human life and the animals involved. The forest department's prompt response and public warning are standard protocols aimed at mitigating immediate danger. The community's vigilance and cooperation are essential for safety until the stray bear is safely guided back to its natural habitat.
