Sloth bear’s presence triggers alert

Coimbatore: The forest department has ordered tourists not to stop vehicles on the Sethumadai-Topslip stretch after spotting a sloth bear in the area on Friday.
A group of tourists and Ulandy forest range officer A Kasilingam, who were returning from Topslip, had noticed an adult sloth bear on the road. They clicked photos recorded videos of the animal.
The animal may turn aggressive and attack tourists, who are visiting Topslip in large numbers, Kasilingam said. “Frontline staff of the department are advising tourists at the forest check post at Sethumadai not to exceed the 30kmph speed limit. They should not stop vehicle on the road to click photos as guars, leopards, tigers, elephants and wild boars are often spotted on the stretch,” he said.
Tourists violating the order will be fined, Anamalai Tiger Reserve deputy director M G Ganesan said.
Tourists throng Topslip, known for pleasant weather and alluring views. The forest department is providing rented rooms for them. The nearby Kozhikamuthi elephant camp is a major tourist attraction.