Bear mauls villager
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, October 29 2015: In a rare case, a wild bear attacked and grievously injured a villager who went out to check the water pipe line of their village in a nearby forest on October 27 .

Ningkhalem HS (42) of Lunghar village, Ukhrul suffered severe wounds and injuries all over his body.

According to him, the bear suddenly jumped over from the other side taking him by surprise.

Ningkhalem said that he managed to fire two rounds which wounded the bear and physically weakened him.

This somehow saved his life, he said and added that he later managed to reach the village.

Family members immediately rushed him to CHRSC hospital, Ukhrul.

Dr Yasing Vashum who tended him said that it took him at least four hours to stitch up his wounds.

The skin on the face was badly torn off in the bear attack and even the maxillary sinus was affected.

The neck was also severely injured.

Even though Ningkhalem is now out of danger there is still doubt on reconstructing the skin as it has been badly affected.

Healing will take time, added the CHRSC doctor.

The wild bear was also found dead at the same spot.

The bear bore previous injury marks, leading to suspicion that it may have been shot by the villagers before.

Possibly this made it more ferocious and could have led to the attack on Ningkhalem.

Hunting is still practised amongst the Tangkhuls.

Due to massive deforestation, the shelters of wild animals have been adversely affected and wild animals have started to come near the vicinity of the villages.

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