Balasore, Jan 22: In a shocking incident this morning, a bear attack in Nilagiri town of Balasore district has left three persons seriously injured.

According to reports, the bear was spotted returning to the forest from Sanhata village in Ward No. 8 of Nilgiri around 6 am. As the bear made its way through the town, several locals became victims of its unexpected attack.

One of the victims, Pushpa Baitha, a woman picking flowers, was brutally attacked by the bear, leaving her severely injured with multiple wounds.

In a separate incident, an elderly woman named Kanak Kuar was mauled by the bear. Another victim, Nityananda Sahu, was attacked while returning home, and he too suffered serious injuries.

All three victims were immediately rushed to the hospital and are undergoing treatment for their injuries. The bear's presence in the town has created panic among the residents, with many expressing fear of further attacks.

Local authorities have started taking measures to ensure the safety of the public while trying to safely relocate the animal back into the forest.

The town remains on high alert, and residents are advised to stay indoors as wildlife officials attempt to secure the area and manage the situation.