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Ponnampet: The tranquil village of Harihara in Ponnampet taluk, South Kodagu, was alarmed when residents spotted a tiger dangerously close to their homes. On Wednesday noon, April 10, villagers encountered a prowling tiger, sparking fear among farmers, laborers, and other inhabitants.
The areas of T Shettigeri, 2nd Rudraguppe, Harihara, K Badaga, and their surroundings have been plagued by tiger conflicts in recent times. The haunting memories of two fatal tiger attacks from February last year still linger in the minds of the locals. Now, with reports of recent tiger attacks on livestock in T Shettigeri, Srimangala, and nearby regions, the resurgence of tiger footfalls has amplified the apprehension among villagers.
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The unnerving incident on Wednesday saw a tiger venture dangerously close to human habitation, observed near the Harihara temple lake. Eyewitnesses, including K Naveen Subbaiah, managed to capture the frail-looking tiger on their mobile phones as it quenched its thirst from the temple lake before retreating into the depths of the forest.
Villagers attribute the increasing tiger sightings to the summer season, speculating that tigers from the nearby Nagarahole Tiger Reserve are venturing into village perimeters in search of water and prey.
Accusations have been leveled against local estates, accused of providing better shelter and water sources for wildlife than the diminishing forests. In response, the Forest Department has sprung into action, deploying trap cameras across the conflict zones to monitor tiger movements. Range Forest Officer Shankar confirmed the ongoing combing operations in areas where tiger sightings were reported, underscoring efforts to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
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