Forest Department urged to prevent entry of gaurs into tourism spots in Yercaud

Tourists and the public have urged the Forest Department to prevent gaurs from entering into tourism spots in Yercaud town, and also to instruct tourists from getting closer to the animal to take photographs.

Yercaud is an important tourism spot in the State, which attracts thousands of people during weekends. Located in the Shervaroyan Hills, Yercaud is home to numerous gaurs. These animals, normally, do not enter into places where people gather in large numbers. But recently, a gaur was spotted near the Yercaud bus stand and in an estate near Yercaud town. The tourists took photographs of the animal and uploaded them on social media.

Velu, a resident of Yercaud, said that gaurs are usually spotted near coffee plantations or estates. It rarely enters human settlements. But recently, the animal has been spotted many times near the Yercaud bus stand locality and in the estates near Yercaud town. Mostly they do not harm humans, but animals are unpredictable. Recently, a gaur was spotted in an estate on Yercaud Ghat Road. Tourists immediately parked their vehicles and started clicking photographs of the animal. A few tried to go very close to the animal. The Forest Department should warn tourists from taking photos of the animals in close proximity.

Forest officials said that gaurs mostly stray into estates for foraging. They are harmless until humans come in front of them. These are natives of the Shervaroyan Hills and if they enter into human habitations, they will be chased backed into the forest. Tourists should not go near the animal, as it may attack them, the officials added.