The Forest Department has stepped up round-the-clock monitoring along the forest fringe villages in the Bhavanisagar Forest Range of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) after an eight- to ten-year-old tiger was spotted at Pudhubeerkadavu village, triggering panic among residents.
On Tuesday (October 13, 2026), the tiger was spotted moving through farmland near the forest boundary, where fencing had been erected. The animal appeared weak and had reportedly sustained injuries in a territorial fight. After being alerted, the Forest Range Office deployed a team to track the tiger’s movements from Tuesday evening.
At around 3.30 a.m. on Wednesday (October 14, 2026), the tiger entered the forest and has not ventured out since. Forest Department officials said surveillance along the forest boundary would continue round the clock to prevent the animal from straying into nearby villages.
Villagers, however, feared that the injured tiger could attack cattle in the area and urged the Forest Department to maintain a sustained vigil along the forest boundary to prevent livestock attacks and ensure their safety.
Published - October 14, 2026 06:00 pm IST