Forest Department urges public and tourists in Valparai and its surrounding areas to be alert on wildlife movement
Coimbatore: Following a spate of incidents involving wildlife straying into residential areas in Valparai and its surrounding tea estates, the Forest Department has requested locals and tourists to be alert.
“Wildlife migration is high around Valparai and surrounding tea estates in Coimbatore district. We must realize every day that we are living amidst forests and have to be safe. We depend on forests and wildlife for our livelihood. Therefore, since the movement of leopards and bears is high at present, we kindly request public and tourists to avoid wandering outside unnecessarily between 5 am and 7 am and after 5 pm at night.
The Forest Department further stated, "Also, we live in the middle of tea estates with children. In some areas, we throw away food waste, especially meat waste. In addition, we are raising goats, cows, chicken, and dogs. They also attract bring wildlife into the city and urban areas. So, we are requesting for people to avoid raising pets so that wildlife will not be drawn toward our houses. We also request you to keep your children safe and not allow them to go out alone and play.
Remove the bushes around the houses and keep them clear. Tourists too should avoid disturbing wildlife by offering food and taking pictures. Avoid unnecessarily walking and having fun in wildlife areas. Tourists should definitely avoid going outside to spot wildlife at night. We kindly request tourist lodges to cooperate with the Forest Department. Don't forget to carry a stick and a torch light with you when you come out for essentials. They will help protect you," detailed officials from the Forest Department.
“Wildlife migration is high around Valparai and surrounding tea estates in Coimbatore district. We must realize every day that we are living amidst forests and have to be safe. We depend on forests and wildlife for our livelihood. Therefore, since the movement of leopards and bears is high at present, we kindly request public and tourists to avoid wandering outside unnecessarily between 5 am and 7 am and after 5 pm at night.
The Forest Department further stated, "Also, we live in the middle of tea estates with children. In some areas, we throw away food waste, especially meat waste. In addition, we are raising goats, cows, chicken, and dogs. They also attract bring wildlife into the city and urban areas. So, we are requesting for people to avoid raising pets so that wildlife will not be drawn toward our houses. We also request you to keep your children safe and not allow them to go out alone and play.
Remove the bushes around the houses and keep them clear. Tourists too should avoid disturbing wildlife by offering food and taking pictures. Avoid unnecessarily walking and having fun in wildlife areas. Tourists should definitely avoid going outside to spot wildlife at night. We kindly request tourist lodges to cooperate with the Forest Department. Don't forget to carry a stick and a torch light with you when you come out for essentials. They will help protect you," detailed officials from the Forest Department.