A beat forest officer sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a wild gaur while on duty inside Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Saturday, according to forest officials.
Officer Identified and Incident Details
The injured officer has been identified as Unnikrishnan, a beat forest officer attached to the east division of the reserve. The incident occurred around noon while he was conducting a field inspection in the Aruviyodu-Chennapara area. According to forest officials, a wild gaur inside the forest suddenly charged at the officer. He suffered severe injuries to his right arm after being gored by the animal's horn.
Rescue and Medical Response
Following the attack, information was immediately relayed to the Vallakkadavu range office. Fellow forest personnel and staff rushed to the spot and shifted the injured officer to Peermade taluk hospital by ambulance. After receiving first aid, he was referred to the Kottayam medical college hospital for specialized treatment. Forest officials said the officer's right arm was seriously injured in the attack.
Background and Safety Measures
Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is home to a significant population of wild gaurs (Indian bison). Such attacks, though rare, highlight the risks faced by forest personnel during routine patrols and inspections. Officials have urged staff to remain vigilant while operating in high-risk zones within the reserve.
