Malappuram: A 60-year-old tribal man was seriously injured in a bear attack at Karulai, Nilambur, in Malappuram on Wednesday morning. The man, Shankaran, a resident of Mundakkadavu Nagar, was collecting herbal plants in the Nedunkayam–Mundakkadavu forest area when the incident happened around 11 am.

According to sources, Shankaran was accompanied by his relatives Ramesh and Madhu when a bear hiding in the undergrowth suddenly charged at him. The animal bit him on the neck and both hands before retreating into the forest.

Hearing his cries, Ramesh and Madhu rushed to his aid and took him to the Government District Hospital in Nilambur. After receiving first aid, he was shifted to the Medical College Hospital in Manjeri for advanced treatment.

Forest officials initiated an inquiry into the incident and have urged residents to exercise caution while entering forest areas, especially during early morning and late evening hours when wildlife activity tends to be high.