A forest worker narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a tiger inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, thanks to the quick response and courage of his colleagues.

The incident occurred while a team of forest department workers was carrying out routine duties inside the reserve. According to officials, the tiger suddenly emerged from the forest and pounced on one of the workers, knocking him to the ground.

Hearing his cries for help, fellow staff members rushed to the scene. They shouted, made loud noises and used sticks to drive the tiger away. Their swift action forced the big cat to retreat into the forest, preventing what could have been a fatal attack.

The injured worker sustained multiple injuries and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials said his condition is stable, and he is receiving medical care.

Forest authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and are monitoring the area to determine why the tiger attacked. Experts believe such encounters can occur when tigers are surprised at close range, are protecting a kill, or feel threatened by human presence.

The incident highlights the occupational risks faced by frontline forest personnel, who regularly patrol wildlife habitats to protect forests and monitor wildlife. It also underscores the importance of safety protocols, protective equipment, and teamwork while working in tiger habitats.

Corbett Tiger Reserve, India’s oldest national park and one of the country’s premier tiger conservation landscapes, is home to a thriving tiger population. While tiger attacks on forest staff are relatively uncommon, the episode serves as a reminder of the challenges of managing protected areas where humans and large carnivores share the landscape.

Forest officials have advised staff to exercise extra caution during patrols and field operations, particularly in areas with recent tiger activity, while continuing efforts to ensure both human safety and wildlife conservation.