Team Herald
PONDA: Locals from Palsare and Amadi in Querim panchayat and Gimona and Dabonsare in Bethki-Khandola panchayat report wild bison herds freely roaming their villages, hunting for food and damaging crops.
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Recently, a herd of 10 to 12 wild bison was spotted crossing the road between Dabonsare and Palsare, leaving residents in a panic. Locals say the wild animals are frequently sighted in Palsare, Amadi, and Gimona. In one incident at Palsare, a woman narrowly escaped with minor injuries after being attacked by a bison. The issue has become particularly alarming after a fatal incident last month. On October 13, a woman was killed in a wild bison attack at Bonbag-Bethora while attempting to chase the animal away from her field.
Residents estimate there are about 50 bison in the area and are worried about the constant danger posed by these animals. “We are scared as the bison often cross roads and can attack at any time,” said a resident. The bison are also reportedly destroying vegetable crops cultivated by the villagers.
Locals attribute the increasing presence of bison in their areas to the lack of food in the forests, which drives the animals towards cultivated fields. They have urged authorities to plant fruit-bearing trees in the forests.
