A tragic bear attack in Largaon Markatola village of Kanker district claimed the lives of two siblings and left three other people injured, highlighting the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in forest-fringe villages.

According to forest officials, the victims were working in or near their agricultural fields when they were suddenly attacked by a sloth bear, believed to be a female. Two siblings died on the spot, while another sibling sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Two other villagers were also injured during the incident.

Villagers reportedly tried to drive the bear away after hearing screams from the attack site. The Forest Department and police later reached the area, recovered the victims, and launched an operation to secure the site. Officials subsequently tranquilised the bear after it continued to behave aggressively.

Local residents alleged that the bear had been roaming near the village for several days and claimed that earlier warnings to the Forest Department had not been acted upon quickly enough. The incident has renewed concerns over increasing encounters between people and wild animals as forests shrink and human activities expand into wildlife habitats.

Forest authorities have urged villagers to avoid venturing alone into forested areas, especially during the early morning and evening hours, and to immediately report any wildlife movement. The incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need for effective conflict-mitigation measures that protect both local communities and India’s wildlife.