Man-Animal Interaction: Conflict & Coexistance

[Pckts]

Helmet saves a mans life from a Tiger attack!


United Conservation Movement - Group



Our respect for forest staff who work in wildlife habitats has grown manifold.
They risk their lives to protect our flora and fauna while we sit comfortably in our drawing rooms and give gyaan on wildlife issues.
The ensuing story, narrated by a forester, gave us goose bumps. Truly it did.
On August 6, a tiger had made a cattle kill in a private property, abutting Chedlet range, in South Wayanad Division.
On being told that the tiger was still lurking around in Pulpally, RFO Sasikumaran and his team rushed to the area.
They were successful in driving away the tiger 400-500 metres into the forest.
Just when they thought their mission was accomplished, the tiger suddenly leapt on Sasikumaran, landing a blow on his helmet (see the hole on the helmet).
As luck would have it, a local youth had offered his helmet to Sasikumaran. Thankfully it was a sturdy helmet. Else, the impact of the blow could have reduced his skull to pulp.
The tiger was on top of Sasikumaran. Thanks to God's grace, Manuel George distracted the tiger in the nick of time before it could bite Sasikumaran.
Enraged, the tiger turned its ire on Manuel.
The tiger caught hold of Manuel's leg (above the ankle) and had him dangling in the air.
It snatched one of Manuel's shoes and swiftly turned back on Sasikumaran.
Though he had a bill hook in his hand, Sasikumaran begged with folded hands for his life.
Miraculously the tiger moved away from the shaken RFO.
Immediately the staff burst crackers to ensure the tiger returned to the forest.
Seldom do forest staff escape from the jaws of death. It is Providence that savef Sasikumaran and Manuel.
This could possibly be the same tiger which had killed a tribal in mid-June in the same area.
Our forest foot soldiers should be celebrated each day of the year, not just on Foresters' Day.
Phew, what a real-life story!

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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