Villager Fights Off Sloth Bear with Stick, Sustains Injuries

In a remarkable display of bravery, a 58-year-old man from Korabandi village in Jajpur district, Odisha fought off a sloth bear with a simple stick on November 4th, 2025. Laxman Parida was returning home from the local market through a protected forest area when the bear suddenly attacked him from behind.

Laxman did not back down, however, and instead fought the animal off with a stick. "I escaped by fighting the animal off with a stick," he said. Villager Alekha Parida confirmed that Laxman was saved as the bear eventually gave in to his determined defense. Unfortunately, Laxman suffered injuries to his back and leg during the encounter and is currently undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital in Jajpur.

Sadly, bear attacks in the villages around Korabandi and its nearby areas have become a common occurrence. Villager Shakti Rout stated that the locals have repeatedly sought proper protection from the authorities, but no action has been taken so far. The forest range officer, Dharmendra Pradhan, acknowledged that bears are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and cannot be harmed. He explained that the bears often venture into villages due to food shortages in the forest. The forest department has assured that they will cover Laxman's medical expenses.