Mysuru, 16 Nov

Amid a rise in tiger attacks in villages bordering the Bandipur and Nagarhole tiger reserves, the Forest Department has distributed 10,000 special face masks designed to be worn on the back of the head to confuse tigers. This strategy, inspired by the Sunderbans in West Bengal, works because tigers are ambush predators that typically attack from behind and rarely strike when they believe they are being watched.

The initiative follows the deaths of three people near the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, prompting combing operations and daily visits by forest staff. In the last 26 days, more than 10 tigers, including five cubs, have been captured in Mysuru district.

Mask distribution has begun in villages across Nanjangud, Saragur, Hunsur and HD Kote taluks. Villagers have been advised not to go alone to fields early in the morning or late at night and to stay in groups.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Project Director S Prabhakaran said 5,000 masks have already been distributed. The department is also procuring whistles and drums for field patrols and cattle grazing, and drones are being deployed to track tiger movement.

Wildlife safaris in Bandipur and Nagarhole have been temporarily banned amid the ongoing crisis.