Rare Bear Attack Leaves Coffee Estate Worker Injured in Kodagu
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Ponnampet: In a rare incident, a coffee estate labourer was seriously injured in a wild bear attack in Balele, located in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district, late on Tuesday night. The district, which has seen a spate of attacks involving wild elephants, tigers, and gaurs in recent months, has now reported its recent first such case involving a bear.
The victim, 30-year-old Kulla, was residing in a line-house on an estate in Balele. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when he stepped out of his house to relieve himself. A bear attacked him near the entrance of the house, inflicting serious injuries to his head and eye.
Hearing his cries for help, the estate owner and fellow labourers rushed to the spot and shifted him to the Government Hospital in Gonikoppal. From there, he was referred to a hospital in Mysuru for advanced treatment.
State Wildlife Board member Sanketh Poovaiah, known for routinely visiting victims after such incidents, once again made a hospital visit and offered the usual assurances of support. He instructed forest officials to cover the medical expenses through the department. However, local residents pointed out that while representatives like Poovaiah are quick to respond with temporary relief, they have failed to address the root causes or implement lasting solutions to prevent recurring human-wildlife conflicts in the district.
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The forest department has launched a search operation in the area and urged residents and estate workers to remain cautious, particularly during nighttime. Locals have been advised to avoid venturing out alone after dark and to report any sightings of wild animals to authorities.
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