Two killed, one seriously injured in bear attack in Andhra Pradesh

The injured individual has been promptly transferred to the government hospital in Palasa for medical attention

Digital Desk: Two individuals lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries in a tragic encounter with a bear. They were engaged in work at a cashew garden in Anakapalli village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened in the Kasibugga range of the Srikakulam Forest Division, as reported by Srikakulam DFO Nisha Kumari.

"In an unfortunate incident of an attack by a sloth bear in a cashew garden in Anakapalli village of Vajrapukotturu Mandal in Kasibugga Range of Srikakulam Forest Division, two persons died and one person was seriously injured," expressed Kumari.

The injured individual has been promptly transferred to the government hospital in Palasa for medical attention. Kumari assured that compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased and the injured, along with necessary medical expenses adhering to established norms.

Efforts to mitigate human-animal conflict have been ongoing, with the Forest Department actively engaging in awareness campaigns. Kumari emphasised the importance of cautioning villagers to avoid areas with reported sloth bear activity. Additionally, a dedicated team under the sub-divisional forest officer, Tekkali, has been formed to monitor sloth bear movements continuously.

"Mass awareness programmes will be intensified till cashew collection season ends," affirmed Kumari, highlighting the department's commitment to ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife.

This unfortunate incident follows a previous bear attack on February 1, where four individuals were injured in Vajrapukotturu village, the Indian Express noted. In that instance, a female bear with cubs attacked them before disappearing into a nearby cashew orchard.