Man injured in bear attack in Holi

A man was seriously injured after being attacked by a bear at Jharauta village under Holi panchayat in Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district.

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The victim, Jodha Ram, was working in his fields near his home early Friday morning when the wild bear pounced on him.

His cries alerted family members and villagers, who rushed to his rescue and managed to scare the animal away. Jodha Ram was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Holi for first-aid.

He was later referred to the Chamba Medical College for further treatment due to the severity of his injuries.

The state Forest Department has provided an immediate relief of Rs 5,000 to the victim under the standard wildlife attack compensation scheme.

This incident adds to a growing number of human-wildlife encounters in the remote and forested areas of Chamba, where expanding human settlements and shrinking wildlife habitats have increased the frequency of such attacks.

Villagers in high-altitude regions, like Holi, often face threats from wild animals such as bears and leopards, especially during the cropping season.

Forest officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid working alone in isolated areas, and report any sightings of wild animals to local authorities to prevent such dangerous encounters.