A series of tiger-related incidents reported across south Karnataka on Wednesday have triggered concern among local residents while also drawing excitement among tourists, highlighting the fragile balance between wildlife conservation and public safety.
Tiger spotted near temple in Hanur taluk
A tiger was spotted roaming near the Mahadeshwara Temple on Meenyan Road in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, early on Wednesday morning. The movement of the big cat was captured on a mobile phone by a bus passenger travelling from Meenyan village to Ramapura.
Passengers initially panicked on seeing the tiger close to the road, though a few managed to record the sighting on their mobile phones. The visuals quickly spread among locals, raising alarm in the region.
This is not the first such incident in the area. Around five months ago, five tigers were found dead due to poisoning in the Meenyan forest region. In light of the latest sighting, residents have urged the forest department to closely monitor the tiger’s movement and take precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Tourists thrilled by rare sighting in K Gudi
Meanwhile, tourists on a safari in the K Gudi range of the Biligiriranga Hills Tiger Reserve spotted a tiger on Wednesday, sparking excitement among wildlife enthusiasts. The sighting is considered rare, and tourists were seen cheering and capturing the moment on their cameras.
The K Gudi safari has witnessed increased interest in recent weeks, particularly after safaris were suspended in Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves. Forest officials said such sightings, while thrilling, underline the need for responsible tourism and adherence to safety guidelines.
Tiger found dead in Kodagu coffee estate
In a disturbing development, an eight-year-old male tiger was found dead in a coffee plantation at Chettalli in Srimangala taluk of Kodagu district. Preliminary investigations suggest the tiger died after being trapped in a snare, allegedly laid to catch smaller animals.
Forest officials said the small snare, believed to have been set two days earlier, caused injuries that led to the tiger’s death. A search operation is underway to identify the location where the snare was placed, with the assistance of a dog squad.
Senior forest officials, including DCF Abhishek, ACF Gopal, and RFO Rakshit, visited the spot and have launched an investigation into the incident.
The developments have once again brought attention to the challenges of wildlife protection, illegal hunting practices and human–animal conflict across Karnataka’s forest regions.