Mysuru: A fresh wave of fear has gripped the forest-fringe villages of H.D. Kote, Saragur and Nanjangud after the Forest Department confirmed the movement of as many as 21 tigers near human habitations.
The alarming revelation was made by Mysuru DCF Paramesh, who said the department is intensifying operations to prevent any further human-animal conflict in the region. Over the last few weeks, tiger activity has surged across the Mysuru forest belt.
The situation turned serious after three farmers were killed in two separate tiger attacks, prompting villagers to stage protests seeking immediate intervention. Following the deaths, the Forest Department had launched a dedicated combing and capture operation, managing to trap one of the tigers believed to be responsible for the attacks.
Speaking to News Next Live, DCF Paramesh disclosed that a total of 26 tigers had strayed close to the human settlement zones. Of these, five were tranquilised and captured, while the remaining 21 are still roaming across the forest fringes, heightening concerns among residents.
“People must remain extremely cautious. We have already deployed additional staff and increased patrolling in the vulnerable villages,” he said. This is not the first time such a situation has unfolded. The DCF noted that similar episodes occurred in 2014 and 2018–19, marking the current crisis as the third major incident involving the mass movement of tigers into human-dominated landscapes.
Officials attribute this unusual pattern to shrinking habitat, territorial disputes among tigers and the rising prey movement near agricultural fields. Meanwhile, forest personnel are conducting simultaneous capture operations at three locations in the Hediyala sub-division.
Teams equipped with drone cameras, night-vision devices and trained elephants are involved in the search. “Human life is invaluable. We are working closely with villagers and local leaders to prevent any further tragedies,” Paramesh said.
Residents, already anxious after recent attacks, have been urged to avoid venturing alone into fields early in the morning or late at night. The department is also considering temporary relocation of livestock enclosures and installation of solar fencing in certain high-risk pockets.
As tiger sightings continue to rise, experts warn that Mysuru is witnessing an escalating human-wildlife conflict, driven by ecological pressures and increasing tiger population in surrounding reserves. The Forest Department has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of villagers while safeguarding wildlife under legal norms.
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