Mysuru: Three weeks after forest officials set a trap to capture a tiger that had been killing cattle in the Hunsur region, a big cat was successfully trapped early on Wednesday morning. Residents of Kudlur village and surrounding areas, where the capture took place, expressed relief. This marks the first time in recent memory that a tiger has been caught in a trap cage in Mysuru.
Operation and Capture
Forest officials deployed a room-like cage, known as the Tumakuru model cage, following repeated complaints of livestock depredation by a tiger in the area. The cage was placed three weeks ago after a thorough reconnaissance revealed pug marks of the big cat at multiple locations in Kudlur village. At around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the tiger was found inside the cage.
Details of the Rescued Tiger
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) RT Kirubananthan confirmed that the captured animal is a tigress, approximately three years old. She is in good health and prime condition. Officials stated that she is likely to be released into the forest after a medical examination, as her presence could help boost the wild tiger population.
The nearest reserve forest area is about 15-20 kilometers from the capture site. Forest officials have urged villagers to remain cautious despite the successful operation.
The Tumakuru Model Cage
The Tumakuru model cage was developed by forest authorities in Tumakuru as an innovative alternative to traditional traps. Earlier, leopards that repeatedly attacked livestock in Tumakuru evaded old cages, which measured only 4 feet by 6 feet. The new design is a room-like cage measuring 10 feet by 10 feet, equivalent to a 100-square-foot room. This larger cage has proven effective, previously capturing a leopard that had claimed four lives in T. Narasipura taluk in Mysuru, and now the tiger in Hunsur taluk. The same design has also successfully trapped big cats in neighboring Chamarajanagar district.
