Foraging for food: Woman mauled by bear

The 42-year-old tried to fight back with a sickle, sustained severe injuries.

MANSEHRA: A woman was attacked by a black bear in a village in Balakot. Bilquis Bibi, 42, sustained more than a few injuries, said residents on Monday.

The area is said to have a number of bears who look to villages when searching for food. This, according to locals, often results in attacks on people and other animals.

Zahoor Ahmed, an elder of Jagan Balakot village, told journalists that Bilquis Bibi was cutting grass in a field when a black bear attacked her from behind. She tried to resist and fought back with her sickle but the bear managed to injure her.

Villagers heard her cries for help, reached the site and scared the animal away. Bilquis Bibi was taken to Balakot Hospital where doctors confirmed bites on her back, head, and arms. The 42-year-old remains under treatment in the hospital and is now said to be out of danger.

Ahmed said on other occasions where bears come looking for food, they end up preying on goats, hens and even small dogs.

Nonetheless, every year several villagers are also injured in such attacks. He demanded the wildlife department take measures to protect humans and their property from wild animals.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2014.