Wild Animal Attack on Herd in Tokat Plateau

September 12, 2026 · Milliyet Ekonomi

In Tokat's Niksar district, Akpınar Plateau, a herd was attacked by wild animals, resulting in the death of 10 buffaloes and 1 donkey, with 3 cattle missing.

Wild Animal Massacre on the Plateau

Şanveren Onayrılı, who raises cattle and buffaloes in Akpınar Plateau in Gökçeli town of Niksar district of Tokat, started searching the surrounding area on September 10 when his herd did not return to the barn. During the searches, it was determined that 10 buffaloes and one donkey were found torn apart and killed by the stream, while 3 cattle could not be found. Some animals' abdomens were found to be ripped open and partially buried. Onayrılı, who has been raising livestock uninterruptedly in the region for 45 years, stated that many of his deceased buffaloes were pregnant and that he had never encountered such brutality before.

Authorities Launch Investigation with Camera Traps

Following the report, gendarmerie, Nature Conservation and National Parks, Niksar District Agriculture and Forestry Directorate, and Forestry Management Directorate teams were dispatched to the scene. Camera traps were set up in the area to confirm which predator species targeted the deceased animals. Livestock breeder Şanveren Onayrılı described the situation he experienced with the following words:

'They killed 10 of my buffaloes and one donkey. We couldn't find three of my cattle at all. Most of the animals were pregnant, including one animal that was close to giving birth. They ripped open their abdomens and removed their internal organs. I saw a bear and two wolves around the carcasses, but since I didn't see them eating the animals, I can't say for sure what did it. I have never experienced such an incident before. My animals grazed on the plateau until the snow fell. This is the first time such an event has happened this year.'

Producer Awaits Support and Solution

While technical surveillance continues to identify the perpetrator of the attack, the herd owner emphasized that other producers grazing in the area are also concerned. Onayrılı stated that the teams quickly arrived at the scene and took minutes, and requested help from the state:

'I don't know what will come out of the camera traps. Gendarmerie, National Parks, District Agriculture, and Forestry Management officials came and showed interest. May God reward them all. I want the state officials to address my grievance.'

Authorities warned breeders in the region to be cautious of wild animal threats during their plateau grazing activities.

Türkçe