Mysuru: Wildlife attacks claimed 53 lives and injured more than 350 people in the state between April 2025 and Feb 2026, assembly data shows.Over the 11-month period in 2025-26, at least 340 people suffered injuries. Thirteen were left partially disabled, and five were permanently disabled. The surge has sparked fear across villages and forest-fringe areas, where residents depend on farming, grazing, and daily-wage work. Many were attacked while collecting firewood, working in fields or walking along forest paths.One such victim is Mahadeva Gowda of Badagalapura village, who lost his eyesight in a tiger attack in mid-Oct 2025. He was working in a cotton field when the animal charged at him, leaving him permanently disabled. He is now confined to his home and relies on his wife and children to move around.Replying to a query by MLA Harish Poonja in the assembly, forest minister Eshwara B Khandre said 340 people were injured, 13 partially disabled and five permanently disabled between April 2025 and Feb 2026. He said compensation is being paid to the injured, and financial assistance is provided to families of those killed.According to the data, families of the deceased receive an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh, followed by a Rs 4,000 monthly pension for five years. Compensation includes about Rs 10 lakh for permanent disability, Rs 5 lakh for partial disability, and up to Rs 60,000 for injuries.
