Wild animal attacks: 21 people killed in four months in Maharashtra
In a written reply to the House, Naik said 13 tigers died of natural causes, four were electrocuted, and four others died in road or rail accidents or by falling into open wells. One tiger death was recorded under unknown causes.
Among the 40 leopard deaths reported during the same four-month period, 20 were due to accidents involving roads, railways or open wells, eight died of natural causes, three were poached, and nine deaths remain unexplained.
Naik added that 61 other wild animals also died in the state during this period. Of these, 23 succumbed to natural causes, four were electrocuted, four were hunted down, while 24 died either in stray dog attacks or after falling into open wells. Six animal deaths were listed under unknown causes.
'During January to April 2025, 21 persons died following attacks by wild animals,' Naik stated.
Between January 2022 and December 2024, the state recorded 107 tiger deaths and a total of 707 wild animal deaths due to various reasons, the minister said.
While responding to questions from members including Dhananjay Munde, Santosh Danve, Manoj Jamsutkar, Sudhir Mungantiwar and Sunil Prabhu, Naik said that although the number of animal deaths remains a concern, the rise in wildlife populations reflects successful conservation efforts.
He said wild animals often migrate in search of new habitat, contributing to biodiversity and that efforts to prevent conflict and protect wildlife are ongoing. These include the deployment of Special Tiger Protection Force (TPF) teams, district-level informants, wireless surveillance systems, and cyber cell operations at Melghat Tiger Reserve.
The state has also operationalised helpline number 1926 for reporting forest crimes like poaching, illegal encroachment and deforestation.
The Maharashtra Compensation for Loss, Injury or Damage caused by Wild Animals Act, 2023, in effect since January 30 this year, ensures timely and efficient compensation for victims affected by wildlife incidents, Naik said.
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