A family had a miraculous escape after their sports utility vehicle was violently rammed by a wild bison on a road in North Goa's Bicholim taluka. The startling incident, which underscores the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region, occurred on Saturday and left the vehicle severely damaged.
Sudden Attack on Isolated Stretch
The terrifying encounter took place near Vathadev on the Kudchirem–Bicholim road. Uttam Gaonkar was driving towards Bicholim with his family member, Mangesh Gaonkar, when the drama unfolded on an isolated stretch of the road at Kudchirem. Without any warning, a wild bison emerged suddenly from the adjoining forest and charged directly into the moving SUV.
Vehicle Dragged, Occupants Unharmed
The force of the impact was so powerful that the massive animal dragged the heavy vehicle nearly five to six metres along the road before disengaging and fleeing back into the forest cover. Despite the severe jolt and significant damage to their car, both Uttam and Mangesh Gaonkar emerged from the harrowing experience completely unhurt. On receiving information about the attack, a team from the Bicholim police rushed to the location and conducted a formal panchanama (spot inspection) to document the incident.
Environmentalists Point to Deforestation
This is not an isolated event. Environmentalists and wildlife experts have noted a worrying increase in similar incidents involving wild animals like bisons and wild boars straying onto roads and into human habitats in the area. They directly attribute this alarming trend to the ongoing and rapid deforestation, which is destroying the natural habitats and corridors of these animals, forcing them into closer and more dangerous contact with humans.
The Saturday attack serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of habitat loss and the urgent need for measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring safety for both communities and the region's fauna.
