Endangered honey badger attacks 4 persons in Mayurbhanj

Bhubaneswar: An endangered honey badger emerged from a forested area and attacked four persons at Udala in Mayurbhanj district, triggering panic among local residents and prompting a swift response from the forest department.According to forest officials, the animal came down from a ridge-like rocky hill near the area and suddenly turned aggressive on spotting people. As it charged at those nearby, several residents ran for safety, while some managed to climb trees to escape the animal’s attack. Four persons were injured in the incident.Officials said the honey badger, a species rarely seen in Odisha’s landscape, was later captured by forest personnel using a net. “On getting the complaint, we deployed field personnel with a net, which was strategically placed to capture the animal. A cage was also ready so that after capture it could be lodged in it. It was then shifted to Baripada,” said divisional forest officer, Baripada, Gobinda Chandra Biswal.The forest department said the animal will remain in a cage for two days before a decision is taken on whether it should be released back into the wild. During this quarantine period, its health condition will be monitored by a veterinarian.Biswal said tranquilisation was not required as the animal could be secured in the net. He described the honey badger as a stubborn species known for sustained aggression once provoked.The sighting has drawn attention because honey badgers are extremely uncommon in Odisha and are more commonly associated with parts of Africa, especially South Africa. Forest officials are now assessing the circumstances under which the animal strayed into the area and attacked people.