The tigress that was recently sighted along with her four cubs in agricultural fields at Nanjedevanapura village in Chamarajanagar district was captured on January 9, providing temporary relief to residents of surrounding villages.
The big cat, estimated to be around eight years old, was trapped in a cage placed in one of the fields at the village at around 8 a.m. Forest officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving an alert and informed the director of the B.R. Hills Tiger Reserve.
Members of the Standard Technical Guidance and Monitoring Committee, along with veterinarians, reached the site and conducted a medical examination of the tigress.
A statement issued by the B.R. Hills Tiger Reserve director confirmed that the captured tigress was the same wild cat sighted earlier with her four cubs. Efforts are now under way to trace and safely capture the cubs.
Forest authorities have urged farmers and villagers not to venture out of their homes at night and visit fields only if necessary, using adequate lighting such as torches. They have sought the cooperation of local residents in the ongoing operation and appealed to them not to gather in large numbers, but instead promptly inform officials if the cubs are sighted.
As part of the operation, thermal cameras and drones are being deployed to monitor the movement of the animals in the area.
CCTV footage showing the tigress and her cubs moving through fields at Nanjedevanapura had earlier been circulated on social media, prompting Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre to direct officials to intensify surveillance and ensure the safe capture and relocation of the animals. The presence of the tigress and cubs on private land had created fear among villagers.
The Minister had directed officials to ensure that the operation results in zero loss of human life while safeguarding wildlife, and ordered round-the-clock monitoring using drones and thermal cameras. He also instructed officials to alert villagers if the animals approach human habitations.
Published – January 10, 2026 06:31 pm IST
