Search for tiger in Gudalur enters 12th day
The search for a man-eating tiger in Gudalur has entered its 12th day with no sightings, leading the Forest Department to expand its surveillance. Officials are using camera traps and kumki elephants while providing safety support to local tea estate workers.
Why it matters
Highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in India and the logistical challenges of managing safety in forest-adjacent communities.
With the search on for a tiger that killed two persons in Gudalur will enter the 13th day on Wednesday (September 2, 2026), the Forest Department has expanded its search into possible hiding spots where they suspect that the tiger might have taken refuge due to the intensive search operations.
According to officials, the tiger that is suspected to be behind the two attacks has not been seen in camera trap footage for more than a week. In the absence of any signs of the animal, the Forest Department has been conducting intensive awareness campaigns around the region, including Lauriston in O’Valley, Deivamalai, Mel Gudalur and villages surrounding the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) to sensitise people about safety measures they need to undertake to minimise chances of encountering the animal and to also negate chances for negative interactions with other wildlife.
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