Forest Worker Injured in Tiger Attack During Rescue Operation in Sundarbans
A forest department worker sustained injuries after being attacked by a Royal Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal on Monday morning, officials reported. The individual has multiple bite wounds but is in stable condition.
The incident was caught on video as a team of forest officials attempted to guide the tiger back into the Ajmalmari forest after it strayed beyond its territory. The footage shows eight to ten workers, mostly wearing black t-shirts, cautiously trying to drive the big cat back into the forest.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the tiger suddenly turned toward the workers, causing panic and terrified screams. Within moments, the tiger lunged at one of the workers, grabbing him.
His colleagues quickly rushed to his aid, using sticks to prod the tiger, forcing it to release the man before retreating into the forest.
#ManAnimalConflict #WestBengal
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A Royal Bengal Tiger enters a populated area, attacks forest department worker in Moipith area of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Forest department worker was eventually rescued from the clutches of the tiger and rushed to hospital… pic.twitter.com/WBCQKQ63ro
Injured Worker Receives Medical Care
The injured worker was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“If required, we will transfer him to a hospital in Kolkata for advanced care,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nisha Goswami. She added that the department had deployed a team with tranquilizer guns, a cage, and bait to capture the tiger. Additionally, nylon nets are being installed, and villagers have been advised to keep their cattle indoors as a precaution.
Recurring Tiger Sightings in the Area
According to the DFO, the tiger had crossed the river separating the reserve forest from Maipith and attempted to establish itself in the region. The forest department now plans to relocate it back to its natural habitat.
This is not the first time a tiger has entered this area. In January, a tiger wandered into the same region three times, but was successfully returned to the Sundarbans without any harm to locals or forest officials.
Authorities are still uncertain whether the same tiger has been repeatedly straying into the area.
