Wild gaur injures motorist in Kerala's Kozhikode district

A motorist was attacked and injured by a wild gaur in Kozhikode district of Kerala, authorities confirmed. The incident underscores the growing frequency of human-wildlife conflicts in the region, particularly involving the Indian gaur, a large wild bovine species found across forested areas of the Western Ghats.

The attack comes within days of a fatal gaur encounter at Vilangad in which a 40-year-old resident was killed. That incident had raised concerns among local communities about the movement of wild gaurs into populated areas and along major traffic corridors in the district.

The gaur, which can weigh up to 900 kilograms and stand over six feet tall, is known for its unpredictable behaviour when threatened or during mating season. Forest officials have attributed the recent spate of attacks to seasonal migration patterns and the encroachment of human settlements into wildlife habitats.

Keprala's forest department has advised residents in affected areas to exercise caution while traveling through forested regions, particularly during early morning and evening hours when the animals are more active. Authorities are reportedly stepping up patrols and awareness campaigns in Kozhikode to prevent further incidents.