A 68-year-old man was killed after being attacked by a wild gaur (Indian bison) in Kulathupuzha of Kerala’s Kollam district, once again highlighting the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in the state.
The victim, identified as Basheer, was reportedly on his way to Kulathupuzha town on Thursday morning when the gaur suddenly charged at him. He sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene before medical help could arrive.
The incident sparked protests by local residents, who alleged that wild gaur sightings and attacks have become increasingly frequent in the area. Villagers claimed they had repeatedly alerted the Forest Department about the menace but that effective preventive measures had not been taken. Forest officials later reached the spot to assess the situation and begin further action.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over escalating human-wildlife conflict in Kerala’s forest fringe regions, where expanding human activity and wildlife movement are leading to more frequent and often fatal encounters. Conservationists stress that long-term habitat management, early-warning systems, and rapid response mechanisms are essential to protect both people and wildlife.
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