A Forest department staffer was attacked by a tigress in a field near Hangala village under Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Friday.

The staffer Ramu had a narrow escape but sustained severe injuries on his shoulders. The incident occurred when the officials were trying to chase a tiger into the forest.

The seven-year-old tigress was spotted near a temple at Kalligowdanahalli on Friday morning. The people alerted the Forest department personnel, who rushed to the spot and took measures to drive the wild cat into the forest. The tigress, which was hiding in a bush, pounced on watcher Ramu. He has been admitted to a hospital.

DCF Ravikumar said the operation would continue after the elephants arrive from Nagarahole.