Tiger Cub’s Roadside Rest Brings Tadoba Traffic to a Halt

New Delhi, November 29, 2025: A captivating video showing a tiger cub leisurely resting and blocking a busy road near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has gone viral, showcasing a dramatic example of human-wildlife co-existence. The presence of the big cat, believed to be an offspring of the well-known tigress Madhu, completely halted vehicular traffic for a significant period, with commuters waiting patiently for the animal to move.

Traffic Blocked in the Buffer Zone

The incident took place on the Chandrapur-Moharli road, a route that runs directly through the buffer zone of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The video, captured by a local resident identified as Akash Alam, shows the tiger cub sitting calmly and occasionally stretching on the asphalt, entirely unperturbed by the line of vehicles that had formed on both sides.

It was reported that the tiger decided to rest in the middle of the road, forcing traffic to come to a standstill for a considerable amount of time. Tourists and villagers were observed patiently waiting inside their vehicles, understanding that any sudden noise or movement could potentially provoke the wild animal. This particular stretch is known for frequent wildlife sightings, especially during the early morning and late evening hours, due to its proximity to the core forest area.

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A Growing Population’s Challenge

Such encounters are becoming increasingly common in the region. Maharashtra’s tiger population has seen a significant increase, with the state’s count rising to 444 as per recent estimates. While this represents a major conservation success, it simultaneously increases the instances of human-wildlife conflict along the forest periphery and buffer zones.

Forest department officials were alerted and reached the spot to monitor the situation until the animal eventually decided to walk back into the forest on its own accord. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the extended traffic stop. The situation underscored the advisory often issued by the Forest Department, urging travelers to exercise extreme caution: honking or stepping out of vehicles is strictly forbidden when wildlife is present.

Viral Moment Sparks Discussion

The footage quickly became a sensation on social media, where it was shared thousands of times. While the beauty and dominance of the animal were celebrated, the video also served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by both humans and wildlife as settlements continue to expand closer to natural habitats. The disciplined patience of the commuters was widely praised as a necessary gesture of respect for the wildlife that calls the region home.