A 25-year-old man was mauled to death by a tigress after he entered a forest area of Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve to collect bamboo shoots and other forest produce, officials said. The incident took place in the Jogipur forest area of the Takhatpur range on Monday, triggering concern among residents of nearby villages. 

The deceased was identified as Dharam Das Ghritlahre, a resident of Banda village under the Junapara police outpost. According to information reported by news agencies, he had gone into the forest to collect karil and peehr, locally collected forest produce, when he reportedly encountered the tigress. 

Tigress Attacks Man in Forest

The attack reportedly occurred in the Jogipur forest area falling within the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. The tigress attacked the man and inflicted severe injuries, including injuries around his neck, resulting in his death at the spot, according to officials cited in reports.

Forest and police personnel were informed about the incident and reached the area. The victim’s body was subsequently recovered from the forest and taken to the Lormi health centre for post-mortem examination. 

Villagers Asked to Avoid Forest

The incident has raised concern among people living around the reserve, particularly because the tigress is reportedly believed to be moving in the area with a cub.

Forest officials have advised residents of nearby villages to remain alert and avoid entering the forest until the animal’s movement can be monitored. Teams have been deployed to inspect the area and track signs of wildlife activity. 

The incident also highlights the difficult balance between wildlife conservation and the dependence of forest-fringe communities on forest resources. People in rural areas often enter forests to collect seasonal produce, fuel and other necessities, increasing the possibility of encounters with wild animals.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Concern

The latest death comes amid continuing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in parts of Chhattisgarh. Achanakmar is a tiger habitat with extensive forest cover, including bamboo and other vegetation, and forms part of a wider wildlife landscape in central India. 

For communities living close to protected forests, encounters with tigers can become particularly dangerous when people enter forested areas without knowing the location or movement of big cats.

Forest Teams Monitor Movement

Following the fatal attack, Forest Department personnel are inspecting the area and monitoring wildlife movement. Officials are also expected to assess the circumstances surrounding the encounter and determine the tigress’s movement in the area.

Authorities have urged residents to follow advisories and avoid entering forest areas where tiger movement has been detected.

The incident serves as another reminder of the risks faced by communities living close to tiger habitats, particularly during periods when residents venture into forests to collect forest produce.