A farmer suffered serious injuries after he was mauled by a bear in Kandamanur forest area in the district, police said Sunday.
Ganesan of Siraparai village was on his way to a neighbouring farm when the bear suddenly came from behind a bush and attacked him.
On hearing his cries, locals rushed to the spot and chased the bear away.
Later, Ganesan was admitted to the government medical college hospital here.
Police said bear attacks were very rare in the area and believed that the animal would have come in search of water.