Gudalur tiger search enters 13th day as forest teams widen net

The search for a tiger believed to have killed two people in Gudalur will enter its 13th day on Wednesday, with the Forest Department expanding operations into areas where the animal may have taken refuge from the intensive hunt.

Officials said the tiger has not appeared in camera-trap footage for more than a week. In the absence of fresh signs, teams have intensified awareness drives across Lauriston in O'Valley, Deivamalai, Mel Gudalur, and villages around the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) to advise residents on safety precautions and reduce the risk of negative encounters with wildlife.

Field staff, two veterinary assistant surgeons, and kumki elephants are involved in the tracking effort. Pug marks recorded in recent days are believed to belong to the tiger, but the animal has not attacked cattle since the search began, making it harder to pinpoint its location. Surveillance has also been stepped up in the Kargudi forest range, where the tiger is thought to have previously roamed.

Tea estate workers, who form the bulk of the local population, have appealed for financial assistance as they have been unable to report to work since the last attack. The Forest Department has arranged vehicle pickups and drops for school students in the area to ensure their safety.

Camera traps are being relocated and additional units deployed in an effort to capture images of the animal and narrow down its position.