Mysuru, 6 Dec

Forest Department officials rescued a three-month-old female tiger cub that had taken shelter at Gurupura Tibetan Colony near Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur taluk on Saturday.

Acting on complaints of cub sightings, officials launched an operation using drones and captured the cub. The team, led by ACF Lakshmikanth and RFO Vinodgowda, shifted her to a safe location. Officials said efforts will be made to reunite her with the mother.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Paramesh told Salar News that officials have captured 22 tigers, including 12 cubs, during combing operations across taluks in the district between 12 October and 30 November. He said HD Kote, Saragur, Nanjangud and Hunsur—bordering Bandipur and Nagarahole—have seen a rise in tiger disturbances.

Paramesh said tigresses give birth from September to December and often move to fringes near villages, tanks and fields, becoming highly protective and attacking livestock and occasionally humans. This year, four people were attacked in the Mysuru region, with three deaths, leaving forest-edge villages anxious.

Following public pressure, the Department deployed additional staff and intensified combing. Paramesh said the captured tigers and cubs are being rehabilitated as per guidelines to ensure safety and conservation. He urged villagers not to panic on spotting tigers and to alert officials immediately.