Hanagodu:  Even as a tiger has caused scare among the villages of K.J. Habbanakuppe near Hanagodu, located at the edge of Nagarahole National Park, the Forest Department has launched an operation to trap the elusive tiger.

The tiger which is said to have surfaced at an estate in K.J. Habbanakuppe a week ago, is also believed to have devoured two cows, besides injuring two other cows. A villager who noticed the tiger preying on a cattle on Thursday, informed the matter to the Forest Department.

Project Tiger Field Director R. Ravishankar, responding to the pleas of the villagers, launched a combing operation in the estate and surrounding areas to trap the tiger.

The Forest Department has engaged Dasara elephants Bhima, Ganesh, Drona, Abhimanyu and Balarama for the operation.

CF Ravishankar, ACF Prasanna Kumar, RFO Surendra, Veterinarian  Dr. Mujeeb Rehman and other forest personnel are taking part.

The elusive tiger is said to be roaming about in 1 km radius of the estate. CCTV cameras have been installed at several points in the vicinity.

Also, the Forest Department is using drone cameras to track the tiger and trap it.