Tags:

A taxi driver was killed by a wounded bear in the Indian state of Odisha after trying to take a selfie with the animal.

Prabhu Bhatara was driving a group home from a wedding in the eastern state when he stopped to relieve himself, the Hindustan Times reported.

On his way back to his jeep, Bhatara spotted a wounded bear by the roadside. Thinking it would be a good chance for a selfie, he approached the wild animal. Fellow travelers urged Bhatara to stay a safe distance from the predator, but Bhatara’s desire for a photo brought him within striking distance of the bear, which promptly grabbed the man and mauled him to death.

According to forest ranger Dhanurjaya Mohapatra, “Bhatara died on the spot.” Some fellow passengers captured the attack on video, while others threw rocks and sticks at the bear in an attempt to free Bhatara. A stray dog also tried to fight the bear as it was attacking Bhatara but could not save him.