799 Killed in Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha Over Last Five Years

A staggering 799 people have lost their lives in wild animal attacks in Odisha over the last five years, according to the state’s Forest and Environment Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia. The grim statistics were revealed in the state assembly on Tuesday in response to a query by BJP legislator Padma Lochan Panda.

In addition to human casualties, the state also witnessed the deaths of 2,832 wild animals, including elephants and tigers, during the same period from 2020-21 to 2024-25 (so far). Minister Khuntia further disclosed that out of these, 806 animals were killed due to poaching, highlighting the continuing threat of illegal wildlife hunting in Odisha.

The figures underscore the rising human-wildlife conflict in the state, with habitat loss and encroachment believed to be key contributing factors. Increasing deforestation and human settlements near forest areas have exacerbated the situation, leading to frequent encounters between humans and wild animals.

To mitigate the crisis, the state government has been implementing various measures, including habitat conservation programs, deployment of forest officials for monitoring wildlife movement, and public awareness campaigns to prevent conflicts. Compensation schemes for families of victims have also been introduced to provide financial assistance in case of such tragic incidents.

Environmentalists and wildlife experts have urged for stricter enforcement against poaching and the establishment of more secure wildlife corridors to minimize interactions between humans and wild animals. The need for sustainable development and better management of natural resources remains crucial to addressing the ongoing crisis in Odisha.

As the state grapples with the challenge, authorities continue to seek long-term solutions to ensure the safety of both its human and wildlife populations.