Two tribal youths were injured after being attacked by a sloth bear inside Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve on Thursday, highlighting the growing incidence of human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The victims had entered the forest to collect minor forest produce when they encountered the bear. The animal suddenly charged at them, inflicting serious injuries before fleeing into the forest. Local residents and forest personnel rushed to their aid, and both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Forest Department officials visited the site and launched an inquiry into the incident. They have appealed to residents living near the reserve to exercise caution while entering forest areas, especially during the monsoon season when sloth bears are more active and encounters become more frequent.

The latest attack comes just days after another bear mauling was reported from Palamu Tiger Reserve, underscoring the increasing risk of human-bear encounters in the protected area.

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