Roads the bane of Widlife?

[Sabyasachi Patra]

This image of a huge adult Gaur (Bos Gaurus) trying to cross the road was captured in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The road from Bandipur passes through Mudumalai and connects Ooty.

I was watching a herd of elephants numbering about 40 with three small calves. They were on both the sides of the road. The elephants were grazing peacefully, but were too close to the road for comfort. Soon a small herd of Gaurs arrived there. A young bull elephant started chasing these Gaurs. The Gaur then tried to cross the road. By this time, vehicles had piled up on both sides of the road. It was a traffic jam. People were not aware about the danger of approaching close to the elephants and gaurs.

There is always a fight to flight distance among animals. If you are too close for comfort, and if their path is blocked then they can charge. It is stressful for the animals as well. Animals like deers are known to collapse due to the huge adrenalin flow, if you chase them or try to capture them.

I am sure raising awareness levels will help in these kind of situations.