A 35-year-old farmer was killed in a tiger attack near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Thursday, marking the third such death in 15 days in the area. The alarming sequence of attacks has prompted the Karnataka government to suspend all safari and trekking activities in both Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves until further notice.
The victim, identified as Chowda Naik, a resident of Hale Heggudilu village in Saragur taluk of Mysuru district, was attacked near the elephant-proof trench close to the Moleyur wildlife range, located along the reserve’s border.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced the immediate suspension of tourism operations, stating that “human safety is the top priority.” He directed that safari staff, including drivers and guides, be redeployed to assist forest personnel in tracking and tranquilising the tiger suspected to be behind the attacks.
Officials said the decision was taken after a series of review meetings held over the past two weeks, as tension mounted among residents living along the forest fringes. Villagers have expressed growing fear and anger over the rising number of tiger sightings near farmlands and have demanded stronger safety measures and faster compensation for cattle and crop losses.
Experts point out that Bandipur’s tiger population has grown steadily over the years, rising from around 12 in 1972 to more than 150 now, while surrounding forest cover and buffer zones have shrunk. This, they warn, has increased human–wildlife conflicts in the region.
The Forest Department has set up teams equipped with tranquiliser guns and camera traps to locate the animal. Authorities have urged people in nearby villages to stay alert and avoid venturing into forest areas until the tiger is captured.
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