Pithoragarh, Nov. 4 -- A 42-year-old woman was mauled to death by a black Himalayan bear in Kanpa sublet of Boragaon village of Pithoragarh district . The victim, identified as Basanti Devi, was attacked while she was engaged in her daily chores in the courtyard of her house. According to Mangal Singh, SHO of Nachni police post, "The bear suddenly attacked Basanti Devi on Sunday and severely injured her. She was rushed to the local primary health centre, where doctors declared her dead." She reportedly lived alone, as her husband and children lived in Haldwani. Following the incident, villagers have demanded protection from frequent wild animal attacks, saying that bears and leopards have been straying into residential areas with the onset of cold weather in higher altitudes, where these animals are naturally found. htc...