Farmer Injured in Bear Attack Near Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar

Bettiah: A 50-year-old farmer, Algu Mahto, was seriously injured in a bear attack while working in his field in Santpur village near Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, left him with severe injuries to both hands and his right leg.

Mahto had gone to check on his wheat crop when the bear suddenly attacked. His screams alerted nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene and managed to scare the animal away.

He was initially taken to Valmikinagar Health Centre for treatment before being referred to Bagaha sub-divisional hospital for further care. Medical in-charge Vikas Kumar confirmed that Mahto is out of danger.

Incidents of bear attacks have been rising in the Valmiki Nagar area, particularly affecting tribal farmers in Santpur Sohariya and Champapur Ganauli panchayats. In the past year, over 15 farmers have been attacked while working in their fields. There have also been cases of bears entering homes and injuring elderly residents.

Forest department ranger Srinivasan Naveen assured that Mahto will receive compensation and urged villagers not to provoke wild animals. He emphasised the need for immediate reporting of bear sightings, as human-wildlife conflict in the region continues to escalate.