This is the terrifying moment a bear attacks a forest officer after a rescue operation goes haywire.

The severely injured Forest Protection Officer Kumar is now recuperating in a hospital.

This incident took place at Velugodu Reservoir in Karnool district in Andhra Pradesh, India, on 22 March.

A bear was spotted near the reservoir and a team of villagers and forest staffers tried to drive it back to the forest.

To dodge its pursuers, the bear entered the reservoir water. When the rescue team tried to corner it and tie it up it ropes, the bear attacked Kumar who was closest to it.

Kumar ran into water and tried to take refuge there. But the enraged bear followed and mauled him.

Other staffers managed to free him by throwing stones at the bear and distract it.

They rushed him to Kurnool General hospital for treatment.

Forest officials and local villagers resumed their pursuit and managed to drive the wild animal back to the forest.

This is the terrifying moment a bear attacks a forest officer after a rescue operation goes haywire.

The severely injured Forest Protection Officer Kumar is now recuperating in a hospital.

This incident took place at Velugodu Reservoir in Karnool district in Andhra Pradesh, India, on 22 March.

A bear was spotted near the reservoir and a team of villagers and forest staffers tried to drive it back to the forest.

To dodge its pursuers, the bear entered the reservoir water. When the rescue team tried to corner it and tie it up it ropes, the bear attacked Kumar who was closest to it.

Kumar ran into water and tried to take refuge there. But the enraged bear followed and mauled him.

Other staffers managed to free him by throwing stones at the bear and distract it.

They rushed him to Kurnool General hospital for treatment.

Forest officials and local villagers resumed their pursuit and managed to drive the wild animal back to the forest.