This is the fourth cow being killed by the tiger since a couple of months

Hunsur:  A cow, which was left for grazing at Taragan Estate at K.G. Habbanakuppe, bordering Nagarahole Reserve Forest, was attacked and killed by the tiger yesterday. This is the fourth cow that was killed by the tiger since a few months and the incident has created a sense of fear among the residents. As soon as the tiger attacked the cow, the cowherd, who was nearby began to scream for help and even other cattle grazing nearby began to run helter-skelter thus scaring the tiger away. But by that time, the tiger had killed the cow.

A tiger, along with two cubs, was seen frequently at the estate and its surroundings and the efforts by the Forest Department to capture them using elephants and also by placing a cage had failed. As the operation to capture the tiger is stopped now, the incident has proved that the tiger is still in the estate.

Earlier, when PCCF (Wildlife) Jayaram had inspected the place, the estate was not properly maintained as weeds and overgrown bushes were found in abundance at the estate, which is a perfect place for big cats to hide. A notice was issued to the estate owner to clear weeds and bushes which was not done.

There are two tribal hamlets and many villages in the vicinity and the residents, including students, are now afraid to go out of the house. The villagers have urged the Forest Department officials to act fast and take steps to capture the tiger at the earliest.