MADIKERI: In a rare and alarming wildlife incident, a 42-year-old estate worker was seriously injured in a bear attack late Tuesday night in Balele, Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. The victim, identified as Yaravara Kulla, was residing in a line house within a coffee estate.
At around 11 PM, Kulla stepped outside to relieve himself when a bear lurking nearby attacked him right outside his home. He sustained severe injuries to his head and eye in the sudden assault.
The estate owner rushed to the scene after being alerted and immediately transported Kulla to Gonikoppal Hospital. From there, he was referred to a hospital in Mysuru for advanced treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.
State Wildlife Board member Sanketh Poovaiah visited the injured worker and assured him of all necessary support. He instructed forest officials to cover Kulla’s medical expenses.
This is the first recorded bear attack in Kodagu district, which has previously seen a string of human-wildlife conflicts involving elephants, tigers, and gaurs. The incident has raised fresh concerns about increasing animal encounters in human settlements and the need for enhanced forest vigilance.