A 45-year old woman suffered serious injuries when she was attacked by a bear late at night yesterday near Paravaikadu. The victim, Vasantha, is being treated for her injuries on the thigh and ankle at the Kothagiri Government Hospital.

The incident took place about 60 kilometres from Udhagamandalam, when Vasantha and her family were returning home from Coimbatore. The bear suddenly appeared from behind a bush and attacked her. The family members raised alarm, which made the animal flee.

Angry residents of nearby area picketed on the main road today demanding that the forest department officials trap the bear.