Tadoba, Nov 29: Traffic on a busy forest route in Maharashtra came to a standstill for hours after a tiger decided to rest in the middle of the road. The unusual incident occurred on the Chandrapur-Moharli stretch near the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, a region well known for frequent wildlife sightings.

A video of the encounter, now viral on social media, shows the big cat calmly sitting on the asphalt as vehicles lined up on both sides, unable to move forward. The tiger is believed to be the offspring of tigress Madhu, one of Tadoba’s well-recognised residents. The clip was captured by a local resident Akash Alam, who happened to be travelling along the route when the animal appeared. His footage reveals tourists and villagers waiting patiently inside their cars, hoping the tiger would eventually clear the way.

According to locals, such encounters are not rare. Wildlife appearances on this road have become routine, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when animals are most active. The Chandrapur-Moharli road is a vital commuting path for nearby villages, which increases the likelihood of close interactions between humans and wild creatures.

Forest officials have repeatedly urged travellers to exercise caution in the buffer zone. They advise against honking or stepping out of vehicles when animals are present, stressing that sudden movements can provoke unpredictable behaviour. The situation is especially risky for two-wheeler riders, who are more exposed during unexpected wildlife crossings.

While the reserve remains a haven for tigers and other species, it also highlights the need for strict safety measures to protect both animals and people who share these forested landscapes.