Post bear attacks, PTR asks locals to be cautious

Daltonganj: Two days after two persons were attacked by a bear, Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has asked villagers living in the forest regions in and around its periphery to be cautious while venturing into the jungles.
In one incident, a 40-year-old woman identified as Puniya Devi of Orsa village was injured when a lone adult bear attacked her. She was in her backyard vegetable enclosure when the animal attacked her. She was taken to the community health centre at Mahuadnr for preliminary treatment after which she was released, said Mahuadanr ranger Brinda Pandey.
In other incident, 45-year-old tribal Anand Rohit Tigga of Kona hamlet was mauled by three bear when he was negotiating a jungle route at night. “He has lacerated wounds all over his torso and is admitted to the sadar hospital in Latehar,” said Pandey, adding that villagers mostly going into the jungles to collect mushroom and bamboo shoots. Mukesh Kumar, deputy director of south division of PTR, said, “Villagers very often risk their lives and jungles to collect mushroom and bamboo shoot.” The villagers sell those in markets for Rs 150- 200 per kg. TNN