Gudalur Tiger Hunt Enters Day Eight; Second Big Cat Spotted
The search for a man-eater tiger in Gudalur continues, with a second big cat now under watch and kumki elephants aiding the operation.
The operation to capture a tiger believed to have killed two people in Gudalur's O'Valley region entered its eighth day on Friday. Forest officials confirmed they are now also monitoring a second big cat spotted near Athipalli a few days ago.
Divisional Forest Officer P. Devaraj said the department has received information about the second tiger and is actively tracking its movements. While this animal has not shown aggression toward humans, officials are considering placing cages in the area as a precaution.
To bolster the search, two kumki elephants, Udhayan and Bomman, have been brought in to assist tracking teams. Two units of the Forest Elite Force have been deployed around settlements, and 130 camera traps are now positioned across the region. Officials obtained a clear image of the suspected tiger a few days ago, confirming it is a male known to inhabit the area.
Despite 13 cages placed at strategic locations, the animal has evaded capture so far. With concerns that the tiger may have moved beyond O'Valley, surveillance has been stepped up in the Naduvattam forest range and in Singara and Masinagudi within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
The department has been working round the clock since the first death was reported earlier this month. Residents have been urged to avoid heavily wooded areas after dark and to contact field staff if they need to access Section 17 lands for irrigation or agriculture. Arrangements have also been made for the safe commute of schoolchildren in the region.