The victim, Dinh Van Kien, 43, a resident of Tien Hoang commune in Da Huoai district, Lam Dong province, was on a routine forest patrol with another colleague when the incident occurred. Both men were contracted staff working at the Da Lak Ranger Station under Cat Tien National Park management.

The patrol was conducted in the Bau Dat Set area, located in Compartment 6 of the national park, which falls within the jurisdiction of Dak Lua commune, Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province.

During the patrol, Kien was suddenly attacked by a wild gaur, a large and potentially aggressive species of wild cattle native to South and Southeast Asia.

After the animal fled back into the forest, the forest ranger was found in critical condition, suffering from severe abdominal injuries, including intestinal perforation and heavy blood loss. Despite efforts to provide assistance, he died shortly afterward.

The Dong Nai Provincial Police, in coordination with Cat Tien National Park authorities, have launched an investigation into the incident.

Spanning over 82,000 hectares across the provinces of Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Binh Phuoc, Cat Tien is one of Vietnam's eight UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as Asian elephants, sun bears, and gaurs. Wildlife encounters, while rare, can pose serious risks to park staff and visitors.

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