Thu Dec 11 11:57:53 UTC 2025: News Article:
Aged Tiger Suspected in Human Death Captured in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
UDHAGAMANDALAM, India – December 11, 2025 – Forest officials have successfully captured MDT-37, an aging male tiger suspected of killing a tribal woman in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). The tiger was trapped in a cage in Chemmanatham on Thursday morning, December 11th.
The capture follows the tragic death of B. Nagi, a shepherd, on November 24th in Mavanallah. Forest officials believe MDT-37, identified through camera traps deployed after the incident, was responsible. The tiger is reportedly an old animal with facial injuries that have likely impaired its ability to hunt wild prey.
Four teams were formed to track the animal. A total of 29 camera traps were set up and baited cages were placed in the area. The operation was overseen by a special team following instructions from the Chief Wildlife Warden and the Field Director of MTR.
R. Kiruba Shankar, Field Director of MTR, stated that MDT-37 was captured without sedation. Given the tiger’s age (estimated at 15 years) and condition, including lost molar teeth, it cannot be released back into the wild. “We think that the tiger…has been unable to hunt, causing it to prey on cattle,” Mr. Kiruba Shankar said.
MDT-37 will be assessed by a Forest department veterinarian before being transferred to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, where it will receive ongoing care.
Summary of the text:
An aging male tiger, MDT-37, suspected of killing a tribal woman in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, has been captured. The tiger’s poor health and inability to hunt wild prey are believed to have driven it to attack livestock, leading to the incident. It will now be moved to a zoo in Chennai due to its unsuitability for release back into the wild.
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