An 80-member forest team, led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Gopal and supervised by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Jagannath, has intensified the search for the elusive tiger responsible for recent cattle attacks in the Ponnampet taluk.
Two trained elephants, Mahendra and Bhima from the Matthigodu elephant camp, have joined the operation to assist in navigating the dense terrain. The search is concentrated in the villages of Hudikeri, Harihara, Konangeri, Bellur, and T Shettigeri, where fresh tiger pugmarks were traced despite intermittent rains. DCF Jagannath confirmed that forest staff, kavadis (elephant handlers), and the rapid response team are actively involved in the effort. “We are confident of capturing the tiger and relocating it safely,” he said.
