Residents of Betahani village in the Gobarhiya police station region of Betia district are experiencing ongoing trepidation following the arrival of a female bear and her cubs, who have taken up residence in nearby sugarcane fields. This unprecedented situation has incited considerable alarm among local farmers, especially those cultivating sugarcane, who are now hesitant to manage their crops.

The latest incident transpired on Saturday morning when Parmeshwar Mahto, a 57-year-old farmer, was assaulted by the bear while working in his fields. Mahto, accompanied by his son-in-law for the sugarcane harvest, became a target of the bear that had been living in the vicinity with her young. Fortunately, Mahto survived the encounter, albeit with serious injuries.

A Narrow Escape for Parmeshwar Mahto

Mahto detailed the harrowing moments preceding the attack, noting that he and his son-in-law were in the sugarcane fields around 7:00 AM when the bear unexpectedly charged at them. Likely perceiving a threat or prompted to protect her cubs, the bear struck Mahto, inflicting considerable harm. “The bear lunged at me without any forewarning. I cried out for assistance, prompting nearby workers to rush with sticks to fend her off. It was this intervention that allowed me to escape with my life,” Mahto recounted.

The bear's assault resulted in injuries to Mahto's left hand and the right side of his waist. Following initial care at the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Harna Tand, he was referred to the sub-divisional hospital for further treatment. Dr. Rajendra Kazi, who provided Mahto's initial care at the PHC, affirmed that while his injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening. Mahto is currently recovering and is no longer in danger.

Local Farmers in Distress

The bear's attack has left Mahto injured and instilled a deep sense of fear among the local farming community. The female bear and her cubs have occupied the sugarcane fields for several days now, rendering it hazardous for farmers to conduct their work. With the harvest season underway, many farmers are reluctant to enter their fields, wary of another potential bear encounter.

The presence of the bear has thoroughly disrupted our daily routines. We can no longer venture into the fields; the danger is simply too great,” stated a local farmer who preferred to remain anonymous. The anxiety among farmers has escalated significantly, with many expressing concerns about the safety of their crops and personal well-being.

In light of the situation, the villagers have appealed to the forest department for immediate intervention. They have requested assistance in relocating the bear and her cubs, or at the very least, ensuring better protection for the farmers working in the fields.

A Long-Standing Problem in the Region

This recent attack is not an isolated incident. In fact, human-wildlife conflicts in this region have been a growing problem for years. Betia, situated near the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, has seen an increasing number of such attacks in recent times. Wild animals, including tigers and bears, often wander into nearby villages and agricultural areas in search of food, leading to violent confrontations.

The local community has faced several attacks in the past, especially from bears. Last September, a woman from the nearby Narayanapur area was severely injured by a bear while gathering grass in the fields. The woman survived, but the attack left her with deep wounds. This attack was one of several similar incidents, which have caused widespread fear and unease in the community.

A Growing Threat Near the Valmiki Tiger Reserve

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve, located in Bihar, is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bears, and elephants. While the reserve plays a crucial role in the conservation of these species, its proximity to human settlements has led to frequent conflicts between wildlife and villagers. As animals such as bears and tigers move out of the reserve, they often enter agricultural fields, causing damage to crops and posing a threat to human life.

Villagers living near the reserve have long struggled with the presence of these wild animals, but in recent months, the situation has worsened. With an increasing number of attacks on farmers and other villagers, there is a growing demand for the government and forest department to step up efforts to manage the situation effectively.

Urgent Calls for Action

In response to the recent attack, villagers have called for urgent action to ensure their safety. They have urged the forest department to implement measures such as regular patrols in the area, the relocation of dangerous animals, and the installation of barriers around agricultural fields.

Additionally, community leaders have called for increased awareness programs to help farmers understand how to protect themselves from wildlife encounters. There are also suggestions to create wildlife corridors that would reduce the chances of wild animals entering populated areas.