The search for the tiger in Gudalur enters the 12th day

The forest department has expanded its search for possible tiger hideouts in Gudalur’s O’ Valley. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.

As the search for the tiger that killed two persons in Gudalur is set to enter its 13th day on Wednesday (September 2, 2026), the forest department has expanded its search for possible hideouts where they suspect the tiger may have taken refuge due to intensive search operations.

According to officials, the tiger suspected to be behind both attacks has not been seen on camera trap footage for more than a week. Since there are no signs of the animal, the Forest Department is conducting intensive awareness campaigns across the region, including Lauriston in O’Valley, Deivamalai, Mel Gudalur and villages around the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) to sensitize people on the safety precautions they must take to minimize the chances of encountering the animal and also eliminate the chances of negative interactions with other wild animals.

In addition to field workers, two veterinary assistant surgeons and kumki elephants are actively monitoring the tiger. Officials said they have seen pug tracks in the past few days, which they believe belong to the tiger. However, the tiger also hasn’t hunted any cattle since the search for the animal began with more confusing efforts to narrow down its location. Since the tiger is also believed to have inhabited the Kargudi range in the past, surveillance has also been increased in the MTR.

The residents, mostly tea house workers, appealed to the government to provide financial support as they have not been able to go to work for the past 12 days (since the date of the latest attack). The forest department has arranged to pick up and drop vehicles for the school students living in the area to ensure their safety.

Officials said the camera traps are being enlarged and moved to new locations in an effort to capture images of the animal and more effectively narrow down its location.

Published – 01 Sep 2026 21:02 IST