Publication:

Pattern and management of bear maul injuries in tertiary hospital in Kashmir

Background Bears are very powerful and strong animals that defend themselves and their young ones if they feel insecure once disturbed by humans. Encroachment of forest land and haphazard construction has led to increase in the conflicts between humans and animals. Our valley is surrounded by forests all around and lush green forest area is habitant of black bears (Ursus thiabetanus). The aim of this study was to report and manage these complicated injuries.

Methods This study was conducted for a period of two years and all the patients were received in the surgical casuality in Government Medical College Srinagar. A total of 32 patients were registered in the two years period.

Results A total of 32 patients were studied, majority of patients were males. Maximum number of patients was in the age group of 31 to 40 years. All patients had soft tissue injuries; bone involvement was seen in 13 patients. Deep lacerations were seen in 22 (68.75%). Primary suturing was done in 12 (37.5%) of patients, split skin grafting in 7 (21.87%). All 32 patients had ugly scar in follow up with loss of vision in one eye in 3 (9.37%) patients. Four patients were advised psychiatric consultation and further treatment.

Conclusions Conflicts between humans and bears are common in bear-prevalent areas of the world. Bear maul injuries should be evaluated in detail as some patients may have serious injuries which need multispecialty treatment to maintain cosmetic and identity of a person.