Wild Animals in Nallamala Forest Remain a Grave Threat to People

Kurnool: People living in habitations surrounding the Nallamala forest and along routes passing through the wildlife region are facing increasing threats from wild animals.

The forest, which is home to tigers, leopards, bears and other wildlife, has human settlements located on its periphery or some are even surrounded by dense vegetation.

A bear attacked three youth on the Srisailam-Sunnipenta route early Sunday morning, leaving them seriously injured. The victims, identified as Ram Naik from Sunnipenta and his two friends, were traveling to Srisailam on a two-wheeler when the bear appeared suddenly on the road.

Panicking, the youth stopped their vehicle, hoping the bear would go away. Instead, it charged at them, severely injuring them with its claws and teeth. One victim suffered heavy bleeding, while another sustained serious eye injury, causing it to close.

Other motorists witnessed the attack and rushed the victims to the Sunnipenta Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Forest department personnel later visited the hospital to gather details about the incident and assess the situation.

This is not the first such incident. A bear attacked a person near the Ishtakameshwari base camp in the Nallamala forest last year.

The victim, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Yerragondapalem mandal of Prakasam district, had been on his way to Palagadda near Modugamani Penta when the attack occurred. After managing to escape, the man reached the Ishtakameshwari base camp area. Forest personnel shifted him to Sunnipenta Government Hospital for treatment before shifting him to Markapur for further care.

Several attacks by wild animals have been reported in the past around Sikhareswaram and other areas.

Nallamala is a vast forest area, which is also a site for many places of worship and tourist spots. People living in habitations in and around the forest collect firewood and other resources, often finding themselves in conflict with the wildlife.

A forest official noted that the forest is a habitat for animals. Thus, humans need to adjust and coexist with them while ensuring their own safety.

“The movement of wild animals cannot be restricted, unless they pose an imminent threat to human life,” the official underlined.