Two Forest Staff Injured In Bear Attack During Tiger Census In Odisha’s Similipal

Baripada: Two forest personnel were grievously injured after being attacked by a sloth bear in Chahala range under North Similipal wildlife division in Odisha’s in Mayurbhanj district during the annual tiger census.

The injured, identified as Chaturbhuja Soren (26) and Raunte Majhi (21), have been admitted to Mayurbhanj district headquarters hospital. They had to be brought in stretchers from the forest, 600ft above sea level, in the reserve’s core area.

According to sources, the bear suddenly appeared from the forest and attacked the team of 12 looking for tiger signs, a part of the census. “Soren and Majhi sustained deep injuries on their feet, thigh and hands,” assistant conservator of forest (Similipal north) Pradip Dey told TOI.