August 22: Two boys are being treated at the National Referral Hospital and the Regional Hospital in Dagapela after they were mauled by a bear at Gopini village under Tashiding geog in Dagana.

The boys are eight and 12 years old.

The incident occurred around 3 pm on Wednesday, August 20.

Our reporter Sonam Ugyen says the younger boy has been seriously injured. His stomach has been torn and his arms and legs have been lacerated. He has been referred to the National Referral Hospital.

The elder boy has sustained injuries on his head and arms. He is being treated at the Regional Hospital in Dagapela.

They were herding cattle in an area between the Non-Formal Education (NFE) Centre and the village when the bear suddenly appeared and attacked them.

NFE learners who were on their way to the center managed to chase away the bear and save the boys.

The geog administration said this is the first such incident in the area.

In another bear attack, a 34-year-old man from Nayabasti under Phuentsholing geog has been admitted in Phuentsholing General Hospital after he was mauled by a bear.

Aita Singh’s nose and lower jaw have been lacerated and his tongue has been partially torn off. He has also sustained a deep cut on the right hand.

The incident happened on the night of August 18 when he was guarding his maize fields from wild animals.

His attendant said he was chasing the bear when it turned and attacked him.

He was immediately referred to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in his village and was referred to the Phuentsholing General Hospital the next day.

According to the attendant although bear attacks are rare, bears frequent the field at this time of the year to feed on the maize.

Hospital staff described his condition as stable.