22 tigers which ventured into human habitations caught around Mysuru over 42 days

MYSURU: A total of 22 tigers that had strayed into human settlements in Mysuru district have been captured by the Forest department over the last 42 days. The captured tigers include 12 cubs, seven males and three females. They were causing trouble in villages on the outskirts of HD Kote, Saragur, Nanjangud, and Hunsur taluks.

According to Deputy Conservator of Forests Paramesh, Mysuru division, the captured tigers have been causing concern among locals. Three farmers had died in tiger attacks while one was injured and is fighting for his life.

“The tigers were captured from the fringes of forests and near water bodies after tranquilising them. At three places, we captured the tigers with their cubs — a tigress and four cubs near Hunsur, a tigress and five of her cubs near Bennegere close to Mullur village, and at Kallahalla in Gundlupet taluk where we captured a tigress and three cubs”, the DCF told Public TV.

Farmers need not fear and should follow the guidelines of the Forest department issued from time to time, he said. “Humans have expanded their habitation leading to such issues. Villagers can call our helpline if they spot any signs of tigers”, he said. The department is fully prepared to prevent any such incidents, he added.

“After checking the health of the captured tigers, they have been taken to the rehabilitation centres. A decision on releasing the tigers back in the wild will be taken after taking their hunting abilities into consideration”, the officer added.