Search for tiger in Gudalur enters 12th day

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.

Aside from the field staff, two veterinary assistant surgeons as well as kumki elephants are actively tracking the tiger. Officials said that they have recorded pug marks over the last few days which they believe belong to the tiger. However, the tiger has also not hunted any cattle since the search for the animal began further confounding efforts to narrow down its location. As the tiger is believed to have also inhabited Kargudi forest range in the past, surveillance in MTR has also been increased. 

Residents, mostly tea estate workers, have appealed to the government to provide them with financial support as they have been unable to go to work for the last 12 days (since the date of the last attack). The Forest Department has arranged for vehicle pickups and drops for school students living in the area to ensure their safety.  

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