The Forest Department in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has clarified that a recent wildlife attack on a woman in Nanded district was carried out by a sloth bear, contradicting initial claims of a leopard assault. The incident underscores the dangers of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening in the Bamanguda area of Mahur taluka. Latu Suresh Todsam, a 35-year-old woman, was working in a cotton field when the animal attacked her. Initial reports from some villagers had incorrectly identified the attacker as a leopard, causing confusion and alarm.
How Officials Identified the Real Attacker
Wildlife experts and forest authorities conducted a thorough examination to determine the true nature of the attack. Honorary wildlife warden for Nanded, Atindra Katti, played a key role in the investigation. He stated that the specific pattern of wounds on the victim's body, particularly on her face, were definitive evidence.
"The nature of the injuries sustained by the victim is characteristic of a sloth bear's defensive behaviour," Katti explained. The physical evidence left on the woman was the primary factor in correctly identifying the animal species involved.
Aftermath and Speculation
Following the attack, the woman received immediate medical attention. She was first rushed to a government hospital in Sindkheda. From there, she was transferred to a facility in Mahur and later shifted to Yavatmal for further treatment.
A forest department official suggested a possible motive behind the initial misidentification. "A section of the villagers might have tried to project the attack as one carried out by a leopard to get compensation at the earliest," the official remarked, highlighting how such claims can complicate wildlife management and conflict resolution efforts.
This incident brings focus to the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife interaction in agricultural areas bordering forest zones. Accurate reporting and expert assessment are crucial for implementing appropriate safety measures and compensation protocols.
