Dramatic Rescue: Mysuru Tigress Captured After Attacking Farmer

A palpable wave of relief swept across the villages bordering the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Mysuru district this week, following the successful rescue of a two-year-old tigress that had attacked a local farmer. The tense standoff, which brought the reality of human-wildlife conflict into sharp focus, concluded with the majestic animal being safely tranquilized and captured by the Karnataka Forest Department.

The incident unfolded on a fateful Sunday morning when Siddaraju, a farmer from the Manimallige village in the Hunsur taluk, was going about his daily routine near his agricultural land, located perilously close to the Nagarahole buffer zone.

Without warning, the young tigress, having strayed from the dense confines of the reserve, launched an attack. Siddaraju sustained significant injuries, including lacerations to his head and back, and was immediately rushed to the KR Hospital in Mysuru for urgent medical attention. His condition was later reported as stable, much to the community's relief, though the trauma of the encounter undoubtedly lingers.

Upon receiving news of the attack, the forest department sprang into immediate action.

A specialized team, comprising veterinary doctors, experienced trackers, and forest officials, was swiftly deployed to the area. Their mission: to locate and safely capture the tigress, mitigating further risk to both human lives and the animal's well-being. The challenge was formidable, as the tigress, likely disoriented and fearful, was believed to be hiding in the dense foliage.

The intensive search operation spanned several hours, with teams meticulously combing the agricultural fields and forested patches.

The tigress was eventually sighted near the village, creating a tense atmosphere. With precision and careful coordination, the veterinary team managed to dart the animal, administering a tranquilizer that brought the powerful predator under control without causing it harm. Once sedated, the tigress was carefully secured and transported to the designated animal rescue facility.

Officials confirmed that the rescued animal is a sub-adult tigress, estimated to be around two years old, a prime age for independent exploration, which often leads to such ventures outside protected areas.

The tigress underwent a thorough medical examination by expert veterinarians to assess its health and ensure it had no injuries from the capture or previous encounters. Post-observation and a clean bill of health, the plan is to reintroduce her into the core area of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, far from human habitation, allowing her to resume a natural life in the wild.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict, particularly in buffer zones surrounding national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

As human populations expand and encroach upon natural habitats, encounters between humans and apex predators like tigers become more frequent. Local residents, while understanding the importance of wildlife conservation, often live in fear, highlighting the critical need for effective mitigation strategies, robust buffer zone management, and ongoing community engagement to foster coexistence.