On February 4, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near Tiger Valley on the Pollachi-Valparai road in Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Michael Schulz, a 77-year-old German tourist, was fatally attacked by a wild elephant. While riding a rented motorcycle towards Valparai around 6:30 PM, Schulz encountered the elephant blocking the road. Despite several vehicles halting at a safe distance and warnings from other motorists, he attempted to pass the animal. The elephant charged, knocking him and his motorcycle off the road. Schulz sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, then to Pollachi Government Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

In response to this and similar incidents, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified patrolling in the Valparai region to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. Since May 2024, three individuals, including a college student, have lost their lives in similar encounters in the area. 

Authorities urge both locals and tourists to exercise caution in regions known for wildlife activity and to adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent such tragic events.