H.D. Kote: A tigress which had strayed into Karapura Kabini River Lodge (Jungle Lodge) coming under Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary is said to have moved back into the forest.

According to sources, the tiger walked back into the forest in the wee hours of yesterday and its exit was tracked by the images captured in camera traps installed in the vicinity.

Forest Department Veterinarian Mujeeb Rehaman said that four camera traps were installed on the first day and four more were installed on Sunday to capture the movements of the tigress. Out the four camera traps, two traps had captured the footages of the tigress and the forest staff began search for the tigress, he said and suspected that the tigress had retraced its steps back into the forests.

Combing operation through boats

As River Kabini flows at the place from where the tigress might have gone back to the forests, Forest staff used boats to search for the tigress on both the banks of the river but could not find pug marks. The authorities then left some of their staff at the spot to monitor the situation.

It may be recalled that the tigress had sneaked into the Jungle Lodges premises in Antharsanthe range of Nagarahole National Park on Friday and combing operation was launched with two Dasara elephants — Arjuna and Abhimanyu assisting the forest staff.

Even camera traps were installed to monitor the feline’s movements. Rapid action team also reached the spot, while a veterinarian, equipped with tranquillizer, was ready in case the situation warranted darting the animal. About 45 guests staying on the property for the weekend too were alerted and the area where the tiger was resting, was cordoned off.

Sources said that though the authorities have heaved a sigh of relief as the immediate crisis is over, the staff and elephants will stay put to monitor the situation.