Mysore/Mysuru, Nov. 17 -- As tigers avoid direct eye contact, farmers create an illusion of constant watchfulness

In a bold and imaginative step to protect farmers working in forest-fringe areas from tiger attacks, the Forest Department has rolled out an unusual yet time-tested awareness initiative in the villages of Saragur taluk, bordering the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Borrowing inspiration from a successful experiment in West Bengal's Sundarbans, officials have begun distributing 10,000 human-face masks - but with a twist: They are meant to be worn on the back of the head.

These masks mimic a vigilant human gaze. The idea is simple but powerful - tigers prefer to attack from behind, often targeting the nape of the neck. If they believ...