Tiger Attack Spreads Panic – Doddabetta Closed

After the recent tiger attacks at Bandipur and Nagarhole, now news is coming in from areas near Doddabetta, Ooty about 3 fatalities due to tiger attack. What was initially thought to be panther / leopard attacks have now been confirmed as tiger attacks after studying the tracks and signs left behind by the carnivore. Panic has gripped the areas surrounding Doddabetta with the local administration advising people to stay indoors in the evenings, keep children indoors always, shutting down 45 local schools and Doddabetta peak to tourists.
Teams have been formed to track and capture the carnivore responsible. Cages have been setup along the periphery of the reserve forest. During the all India tiger census last month, 6 tigers were spotted in the Nilgiris North range giving the reason to cheer for the forest officials. But this sudden incidence of tiger attacks have come as a festival mood dampener. Inspite of the good availability of the prey base and habitat, the conflict of tiger and humans outside the periphery of the forests is a cause for concern. The real reason for the tiger straying out of the forests can be identified only after the capture of the carnivore.
Hope nobody else gets injured or killed. If you are planning a trip to Ooty during the pongal / sankranti holidays, please do take these points into consideration and follow the safety advise issued by the local administration.
Presently Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is open for tourists and safe to stay and enjoy your holidays
By Bala M
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