Guwahati: A wild buffalo attack left two forest department personnel injured at Manas National Park on Saturday, officials said.One staff member suffered grievous injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta. His condition is reported to be stable but critical. The second injured staff member was discharged after receiving medical care.
The incident occurred near a river stretch along the park’s boundary after a lone wild buffalo ventured outside the protected area. Forest personnel attempted to guide the animal back inside the park to prevent potential conflict with nearby villages.“Although the staff maintained adequate distance, the wild buffalo suddenly charged at the duo. One of our personnel suffered serious injuries,” a park official said.Spread across approximately 850sqkm in the Baksa and Chirang districts of lower Assam at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Manas National Park currently has an estimated 2,235 wild buffaloes. Wild buffaloes often venture out of the park through riverine stretches, making containment a persistent challenge.“Wild buffaloes react extremely fast, leaving little time for response. Our staff are working under constant risk to prevent harm to villagers and ensure the animals return safely inside the park,” the official added.Wild buffalo attacks remain a concern in the region, affecting both frontline forest staff and local residents. Authorities are closely monitoring movement in sensitive boundary and riverine areas to reduce the risk of further incidents.
