An 11-year-old boy, Aarav Pundir, narrowly escaped a terrifying bear attack at a remote government school in Chamoli district after a cub dragged him into the jungle, only to be rescued by his brave 12-year-old classmate Divya Chaudhary. The incident occurred on Monday morning when students arrived early and were cleaning the schoolyard at the primary school in a forested area. Witnesses said a mother bear and her cub approached, with the adult heading toward the classroom while the cub seized Pundir by his clothes and pulled him approximately 100 meters into the dense vegetation. Left without adult supervision, Chaudhary courageously pursued the animal, shouting and chasing it until the cub released the boy and fled.

Teacher Upendra Sati recounted that the children had spotted the bears but initially thought they would pass by harmlessly. Pundir sustained minor injuries, including scratches and bruises, and was treated at a local health center before being discharged. School authorities praised Chaudhary's quick thinking and bravery, which prevented a potentially fatal outcome. The attack marks the second bear incident at the same school this year, raising alarms about wildlife encroachment in human habitats amid shrinking forest corridors.

With only 12 students enrolled—mostly from nearby villages—the small school lacks proper fencing and is surrounded by thick jungle, making it vulnerable to wild animals. Locals expressed frustration, noting that bears frequently roam the area in search of food, especially during winter when natural sources dwindle. One resident remarked, "It is as if the animals know there is easy prey," highlighting the risks children face while attending classes in such isolated locations.

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Forest department officials rushed to the site, installing temporary netting and warning signs while planning long-term measures like stronger barriers. The incident has renewed calls for relocating the school or providing armed guards during peak wildlife activity seasons. Education officials assured increased patrols and awareness programs for students on handling animal encounters.

This frightening episode underscores the growing human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand's hilly regions, driven by habitat loss and climate impacts. As investigations continue, the community rallies around the young heroes, with Chaudhary emerging as a symbol of extraordinary courage in the face of danger.

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