West Sikkim Man attacked by wild bear

Gyalshing,Sep16: A trip into the forest to fetch grass and firewood turned fatal for 58 years old Kubir Singh Subba and his two other friends from Timpong Village, Upper Rimbi in West Sikkim when Kubir was attacked by a wild bear at about 12:30 pm on September 14.

While the bear attacked Kubir from the back, two other friends ran away. However, after fighting with the bear for about 10 minutes, Kubir finally managed to escape from the animal’s grip but sustained injuries. His two friends came back to the spot and brought him to Gyalshing District Hospital where he is presently undergoing medication.

Suraj Thatal, Wild DFO West expressed his sorrow over the incident. At the same time, the DFO said that if anyone enters the forest without the consent /permission of forest officials then the department will not be responsible for this kind of incident. He further urged the people not to enter the forest on their own. 
According to reports although attack of wild animals in West Sikkim is not unusal but local farmers were concerned of damages done to their agricultural crops by wild animals and causing them to lose only source of income. They also expressed their concern of inaction by officals of concerned department despite many submissions on matter.
The victim was undergoing treatment for his injuries at Gyalshing district Health Center, which are not considered life-threatening.He has sustained minor injuries to his face and hands.