Lockdown: Wild animals are having a gala time in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Apr 11 () It looks like wild animals arehaving a gala time during the lockdown in the wake of theCOVID-19 pandemic they are getting bolder and becomingexplorers as areas outside their habitat are becoming quiet.

At some places adjoining forests in Karnataka,particularly in Kodagu district, elephants were seen walkingon the roads happily. Spotted and Sambar deer were also foundroaming freely.

"Wild-life is always happy when environment becomesquiet, they (wild animals) are roaming not only in their ownareas but also outside...in forest fringe areas," KarnatakasPrincipal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sanjay Mohantold '' on Saturday.

Due to human activity and busy roads otherwise, theynever used to venture out, he said. Now, even spotted deer istrying to come out and 'see what all is happening. They (wildanimals) are basically free-ranging animals; when they findthat their surroundings have become quiet, they tend to comeout and explore.

"Elephants are already used to going out of forests;now with quieter environs, they are happily moving on roadslike any other people, and they are coming out becausevehicles are not there."

But Forest department officials also said withrestrictions on movement of people and vehicles, hunters areon the prowl again.

Mohan, also the State's Chief Wild Life Warden, saidthere has been a spurt in the number of hunting cases duringthe lockdown period, adding, the Department has takenmeasures, including stepping up night patrolling, to curb suchactivities.

Animal handlers in the Department and Zoos have beeninstructed to strictly follow COVID-19 guidelines like wearingmasks, gloves and maintaining safe distance, he said. "InZoos, they were following such instructions earlier also, nowthey have become strict."

Mohan said a man was killed in a bear attack inBallari district earlier this week, which "could be one of thefall-outs of COVID-19 (with bears becoming bolder andventuring out)."

He said the Department has continued to keep cageswherever human-wild life conflict is more and "leopards aregetting captured."

Karnataka is home to around 6,000 elephants, 500tigers, 2,500 leopards and 600-700 Lion-tailed macaque,according to him. RS SS