RAIPUR: Human-animal conflict continued to escalate in Chhattisgarh with a series of wildlife-related incidents across the state. In the first case, a chital was killed by a pack of stray dogs in Dhamtari district. In another incident in Korba, two tendu collectors, including a 15-year-old girl, were grievously injured in a bear mauling. Both cases underscore how extreme heat, fragile economic dependence on shrinking forest resources, and lack of preventive measures are pushing animals and humans into dangerous proximity.
Deer killed by stray dogs in Dhamtari
In Dhamtari, a male chital aged around 6-7 years was attacked by a pack of stray dogs. The dogs bit deep into its hind leg and thigh, leaving the animal bleeding heavily and unable to move. Villagers spotted the injured deer in the morning and alerted the forest department. A forest team rushed to the spot and shifted the chital to a veterinary hospital. Despite treatment, the animal succumbed to its injuries on Sunday. Officials said extreme heat and drying water sources in forests are forcing wild animals to move closer to human habitations in search of food and water, exposing them to stray dog attacks, road accidents, and other dangers.
DFO Shrikrishna Jadhav said forest teams have stepped up monitoring in vulnerable areas. “If people find any injured or disoriented wild animal, they should not surround or disturb it. They must immediately inform the forest department. Public cooperation is crucial for wildlife protection,” he said.
Bear mauling in Korba injures two
In a separate incident in Korba district, two villagers were mauled by bears near Pidiya village in Kartala forest division while they were collecting tendu leaves. The injured were identified as Kanhaiyalal Rathia, 45, and a 15-year-old girl. Villagers said two bears suddenly appeared in the forest and attacked Kanhaiyalal. As he shouted for help, one bear fled, while the other charged at the girl, who was collecting tendu leaves nearby. Hearing their screams, other villagers rushed to the spot and managed to chase the bear back into the forest after a struggle.
The injured were shifted to the district medical college hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition remains worrisome. The attack has sparked fear in forest villages. With mahua and tendu leaves collection season underway, wild attacks have become rampant. Large groups of people venture into forests, risking their lives to sustain their livelihoods amid the abundant presence of elephants, sloth bears, and leopards.
Two tendu collectors were injured in Gariyaband district on May 4 as well. People in affected regions have demanded stronger safety measures and closer monitoring by forest staff. Kartala DFO Premlata Yadav said a forest team was sent to the spot soon after the incident. “The injured are being treated, and people have been advised to remain alert while entering forest areas. Surveillance and safety arrangements will be strengthened during tendu leaf collection,” she said.
