The victim, Amirul Ismail, 27, sustained injuries to his right thigh and both hands in the attack, at about 2.30pm.

According to the victim’s brother, Redzuan, 35, he only realised something was wrong when he saw his younger brother approaching him, covered in blood.

“Before that, I heard the sound of a bear but didn’t realise the noise was that of the bear attacking Amirul.

“He told me that the incident happened when he was walking alone, unaware that the bear was on a nearby tree until it jumped in front of him and attacked,” he said in Kampung Bukit Mak Som.

Redzuan said he quickly transported his severely injured brother by boat to Setiu Hospital for treatment, where he was then referred to a hospital in Kuala Terengganu due to the severity of his injuries.

Terengganu wildlife protection and national parks department director Loo Kean Seong said his department had not yet received any report regarding the incident. He urged witnesses or those involved to come forward.