Villager injured in bear attack

Koraput: A 28-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a bear in Koraput district's Mundaguda village on Saturday morning.
The victim, identified as Uddhaba Gauda, a villager, was going to keep his cows and buffaloes at a cattle shed located some distance from his home around 8 am when he was attacked.
"Suddenly, a bear emerged from a nearby cashew orchard and attacked Uddhaba. The bear bit parts of his face, while its claws inflicted injuries on his hands and legs," said Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, forester of Boipariguda range.
Uddhaba was rescued by a group of youths working near the cattle shed, who rushed to the spot upon hearing his screams and managed to scare away the bear by shouting. "He was first taken to the Boipariguda community health centre and later shifted to SLN Medical College and Hospital. His condition is stable," said Pradhan.
In response to the incident, forest officials have stepped up monitoring of the activities of the bear. "Villagers have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Efforts are ongoing to drive the bear back into the forest," said Pradhan.