Bears, believed to be intoxicated, have killed eight and injured dozens of others within the past week in the eastern Indian state of Orissa.
Villagers and forestry agents say the bears have become violent after gorging themselves on flowers from mahua trees, which are used by locals to brew alcohol. At least one bear was killed when Kotpad villagers chased it down and beat it to death. Forestry Minister Bijayshree Routray has placed forestry agents armed with tranquilizers in villages for protection in case the bears return, according to the BBC.
Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that families that have lost a loved one to the bears will be financially compensated by the state.
It is unclear exactly what species of bear is responsible for the attacks (India is home to the Himalayan black bear, brown bear, and sloth bear). Bears are classified as endangered in India.
