In a classic case of “honey got me into trouble,” a sloth bear found itself stuck between a rock and a hard place — or rather, at the bottom of a narrow agricultural well — after an adventurous honey hunt in rural Mayurbhanj on Sunday.
The incident occurred in Dinashahi village under the Udala Forest Range. Locals say the bear was drawn to a mango tree standing beside a river path. Spotting a beehive, the animal climbed down in search of the sweet reward. After enjoying its honey meal, it apparently tried to move to another nearby dug-well (dag well) used for farming, only to slip and fall inside.
Unable to climb the steep, smooth walls of the well, the bear began roaring loudly in distress. Alert villagers quickly informed the Forest Department. A rescue team rushed from Baripada and reached the spot within hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that when forest staff lowered a container of water for the thirsty animal, the agitated bear tore the vessel apart in frustration. With temperatures soaring, officials immediately arranged to drop ice blocks into the well to keep the bear cool and calm while they planned a safe extraction.
“The bear is currently stable. We are monitoring it continuously and have made all arrangements for a safe rescue,” a forest official said. “Once rescued, it will be released back into its natural habitat by evening.”
The dramatic rescue has drawn a large crowd of curious villagers, turning the quiet farmland into a temporary wildlife spectacle. Forest staff have appealed to people to maintain distance for the safety of both the animal and the rescuers.
Sloth bears are commonly found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, which borders the Similipal Tiger Reserve. Human-wildlife conflict incidents have increased in the region during the summer months as animals venture closer to villages in search of food and water.
