The Forest Department has advised tourists visiting Valparai to be cautious while driving past wild animals and not to approach them to click photos after a video of two gaurs charging at motorists at Cinchona went viral.

According to Forest Department officials, the gaurs seen in the video were into a rutting battle, a typical behaviour in males to establish dominance and mating rights.

“A sparring was going on between the two gaurs and the tourists were not aware of it. It is normal for gaurs to take brief breaks during the rutting battle. As the two gaurs were standing on either sides of the road, the tourists must have believed that they were grazing. The gaurs felt disturbed when the tourists passed through the road and charged at them,” said K. Giritharan, Forest Range Officer, Manambolly range.

He said that the Forest Department staff later spoke to the tourists and none of them suffered injuries in the incident. However, their two-wheelers had a few damages.

Gaurs are found in large numbers in the Valparai plateau, which falls within the jurisdictions of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. They are also found in tea and coffee estates, which are interspersed with forest areas. While local residents are aware of their movement and behaviour, tourists often stop vehicles upon spotting gaurs and other wild animals out of curiosity.

Mr. Giritharan said that tourists must avoid approaching wild animals or disturbing them by taking photographs or videos. Similarly, feeding of wild animals should also be avoided.

“Tourists are advised to halt vehicles at a distance when wild animals like gaurs or elephants are on the roads. Resume the journey after the animals move away,” he added.