Residents panic as Indian gaur wanders into Coonoor town

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Tensions were high after an Indian gaur strayed in to Coonoor town, located near Sim's Park, in the Nilgiris district on Tuesday morning. Incidentally, two men were attacked by an Indian gaur on Monday in Selas near Coonoor.
On Tuesday, a male gaur strayed into the town near Sim's Park in Coonoor and created a scare among residents.
"The gaur had strayed out of a nearby forest area.We were able to drive away the animal back into its forest habitat," said Periasamy, Coonoor forest range officer. He added, "Forest staff and watchers are watching the area 24x7, to ensure the animal does not enter the town again."
According to locals residing in the area around Sim's Park, a herd of Indian gaurs are frequently spotted in the area and allege that forest officials turn a blind eye to this issue. However, Periasamy said, "We are monitoring the area regularly. No herd of gaurs has been found in the Sim's Park area except for the one gaur which strayed in to the town today."
Coincidentally on Monday evening, two residents, of Selas near Coonoor, were attacked by an Indian gaur while they were riding a motorcycle near Selas. The two men were referred to the CMCH, after being administered first aid at the Coonoor government hospital. "Both the victims are safe and are getting treated at the CMCH" said the forest range officer.
On October 24, Chennai-based couple, Dinesh and Thamarai, was attacked by a gaur while exploring Sim's Park. The gaur had punctured Thamarai's stomach and left her with multiple fractions. She died the following day at the CMCH.
After the incident, the horticulture department cordoned off the area and the forest department is waiting for permanent fencing to be done in that area of Sim's Park.
In another incident a few days ago, an Indian gaur strayed into the main road at Main Bazaar in Ooty.