Shibu Ram was collecting firewood Saturday in the Mandi valley, 160 kilometres (100 miles) from state capital Shimla, when the bear pounced and dragged him into bushes, police said.

Two of Ram's relatives who had heard cries for help searched for Ram with reinforcements from the village and found his mauled body, police said.

It is rare for black bears to attack humans, locals said, but the animals will often attack if surprised.

TERRA.WIRE