A tiger which sauntered too close to the Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Kabini backwaters has triggered a high alert, with the Forest Department staff and the trained elephants put on a standby.
The tiger is a sub-adult and was first sighted on Sunday morning and identified as the same striped feline normally found near the Tiger Tank during the safari rounds.
Three elephants – Arjuna, Abhimanyu and Krishna – have been rushed to the spot for any operations that may be ordered. But, the authorities are adopting a wait-and-watch policy for now. “We expect the tiger to move out of the property on its own and if required, would be darted, subject to permission from the Principle Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife),” said an official monitoring the situation at the spot.
The presence of the tiger was first suspected on Saturday night, following which the resort staff advised the guests to stay put in their rooms or restrict their movements as a precautionary measure. However, the tiger was at quite a distance from the property that is spread over 60 acres; but the advisory was deemed essential.
Meanwhile, the rapid response team has also reached the spot and the field formation is ready for any action that may be necessitated to either dart the tiger or drive it back. Six camera traps too have been installed to monitor its movements. There are about 40 guests of the JLR, who have left for the evening safari.