NILGIRIS: Staff of the Kundha forest range are monitoring a male gaur that has been roaming with an injury on its shoulder and nose since Thursday afternoon, allegedly after it fought with another gaur near Katteri dam.
Sources said the forest department got information from members of WNCT, an NGO, the press, and locals about the injured animal, which was resting on the roadside near Katteri dam on Thursday afternoon. "We suspect that the animal could have been injured following a fight with another gaur on Thursday morning. The animal had severe injuries on its shoulder and nose, and it was bleeding, which stopped later. Our staff spoke with the locals who had seen the animals fighting," a forest department official said. The range officials are in search of a veterinarian as part of providing treatment to the animal.
"Along with the veterinarian from Theppakadu, we are also in search of other veterinarians from the Animal Husbandry department. The animal will be tranquilised for complete treatment. The treatment will be carried out on Friday morning," the official added. Forest officials are hesitant to tranquilise, as the animal is roaming near the dam.
The official further said that though the animal is injured, it has been grazing well, and there are no difficulties in walking or any other health issues.