Nagpur: A terrifying video of a tigress charging at motorists on the Chichpalli Road near the Keslaghat Gate of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra has now gone viral on social media.
The forest department has identified the animal as the K-Mark Tigress who may have cubs in the area.
In the video from Saturday morning, she is seen leaving the forest and charging at motorists, including two-wheeler riders, before disappearing into the dense foliage again. The video shows repeated attempts by the tigress to scare away people.
People are heard screaming in panic as the tigress charges. However, no injuries have been reported.
It has been claimed that the incident took place around 6.45 am when several daily commuters and visitors to the firest were passing through TATR’s peripheral road.
Forest officials have said that the tigress involved is a known resident of the area referred to as K-mark due to the distinctive “K” pattern on her flank. The aggression could have been a result of territorial behavior or the presence of cubs nearby, they said.
They have also warned people, particularly two-wheeler users against using isolated forest roads during early morning and late evening hours and to remain cautious if traveling through buffer zones.
Wildlife experts have said that the video highlights the impact that human activity near sanctuaries and reserves has on animals.
“Was bound to happen. It is rumoured that she lost 1 cub to a truck accident a couple days back. She will be little aggressive,” a user posted.
“That’s not an attack. You park your vehicles on the road as if it’s a safari. You expected her to come n pose for selfies? She thought you guys are offering yourselves as her lunch,” another one said.
