Forest officer hurt in gaur attack in Periyar reserve

Idukki: A beat forest officer sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a wild gaur while on duty inside Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Saturday.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.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.