BENGALURU: The death of another tiger has been reported in the state this month, taking the total number of tiger deaths and seizures to a whopping 14 in a span of just four-and-a-half months.
A male tiger was found dead in the Hebbe Range of Bhadra Tiger Reserve on Friday evening. The carcass was found by forest staff at Kalkove beat and the animal is suspected to have died three to four days back.
Senior forest officials from Chikkamagaluru division visited the spot. The autopsy of the 8-10-year-old male tiger will be held on Saturday to ascertain the cause of death.
Forest officials told Express that the animal may have died naturally as it had lost its hunting instincts due to old age. An official added, “The carcass was found by patrolling staff at 4 pm on Friday just 100 metres from Hosahalli Kere. It must have died 3-4 days back as it was infested with flies and insects. There were no wounds on the body. Its teeth, skin and nails were intact.”
Officials added that the big male tiger was, in fact, often seen frolicking in the Bhadra backwaters.