Sloth Bear Attack Injures Guest Worker at Coimbatore Tea Estate
A shocking wildlife encounter unfolded at a tea estate in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve near Coimbatore on Sunday morning, when a guest worker was attacked by a sloth bear. The incident has raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Details of the Attack and Victim
The injured worker has been identified as Domdo Murmu, aged 21, who hails from Jharkhand. He was engaged in spraying pesticide at the CDR tea estate located within the Manambolly forest range. According to reports, the sloth bear suddenly emerged from dense bushes and launched an unprovoked attack on Murmu.
The bear inflicted significant injuries on Murmu's forehead, legs, and hands, leaving him in a critical condition. The attack occurred during his routine work, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such wildlife encounters in forested agricultural areas.
Swift Rescue and Medical Response
Fortunately, frontline staff from the forest department were conducting their regular rounds in the vicinity and rushed to the spot immediately upon learning of the incident. They managed to rescue Murmu from the scene and provided initial assistance.
He was first taken to an estate hospital where he received urgent first aid to stabilize his condition. Subsequently, he was shifted to the Pollachi government hospital for advanced medical treatment and further care. His current health status is being closely monitored by medical authorities.
Forest Department's Preventive Measures
In response to this alarming incident, the forest department has deployed a dedicated team to monitor the movements of the sloth bear in the locality. This proactive step aims to prevent similar attacks and ensure the safety of workers and residents in the area.
The department is also assessing the situation to implement additional safety protocols, such as increased patrolling and awareness campaigns for estate workers. Such measures are crucial in regions where human activities intersect with wildlife habitats, like the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
This attack underscores the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in India's forested regions, particularly in areas like Coimbatore where tea estates border protected reserves. Authorities are urging caution and adherence to safety guidelines for those working in such environments.
