Woman injured in bear attack near VTR

Bettiah: A 40-year-old woman was critically injured after a bear strayed out of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) and attacked her while she was working in a field near Bagahi Sakhuani village in West Champaran district on Sunday. The incident has triggered concern among residents over the increasing movement of wild animals from forest areas into nearby human settlements.The injured woman, Babita Devi, a resident of the same village under Govardhana police station, was tending to her sugar cane crop when the attack took place.According to her family members, the bear entered the field from the Dumri forest area and suddenly attacked her. Hearing her screams, nearby people rushed to the spot, forcing the animal to retreat into the forest. She was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Ramnagar, where she received primary treatment.Dr M D Kazim, who attended to the woman, said she had sustained deep injuries to her hands and legs. “After first aid, she was referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bettiah, for advanced treatment,” he said.Villagers informed forest department officials about the incident, following which a team reached the hospital. Residents have expressed concern over the increasing movement of wild animals from the VTR into human settlements. Officials have advised people living near forest areas to remain cautious while working in fields and to promptly report any wildlife sightings.