Forest Officials Capture Stray Tiger Roaming Near Human Settlement
Thodupuzha – The Kerala Forest Department successfully tranquillised an injured tiger that had been prowling around Aranakallu near Vandiperiyar, Idukki, causing panic among locals. The tiger, which had strayed into human settlements, was responsible for killing domesticated animals belonging to plantation workers.
A team of 20 forest officials, including veterinary expert Dr. Anuraj, launched an operation on Monday morning and managed to locate the big cat near the perimeter fence of a plantation. At around 11 AM, officials fired tranquilliser shots to safely subdue the animal. A large cage was brought to the site to facilitate its transfer.
🔹 Tiger’s Movements and Attacks
📍 The tiger had been on the prowl for several days, killing a cow owned by Narayanan and a dog belonging to Balamurukan in the early hours of Monday.
📍 Drone surveillance and ground patrols revealed that the tiger had suffered a deep leg injury, making it weak and vulnerable.
📍 Forest officials and veterinary experts had been tracking the animal, but it had gone missing on Sunday morning, leading to an intensive search operation with the help of sniffer dogs and drones.
🔹 Community Concerns and Protests
🚨 Local residents protested against the forest department, citing delays in capturing the tiger.
🚨 The tiger’s repeated attacks on livestock led to fear among the villagers, who demanded immediate action.
🚨 In response to the increasing threat, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Grambi (Ward 15) of Vandiperiyar Panchayat to prevent unnecessary movement in the area.
🔹 Official Response & Future Plans
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran acknowledged the challenges of the operation.
🗣️ “We must tranquillise and treat the injured tiger while also addressing the concerns of local residents,” he stated.
The captured tiger will be examined by veterinary experts to assess the severity of its injuries. If required, it will receive medical treatment before being relocated to a wildlife sanctuary or rehabilitation centre.
As human-wildlife conflicts become more frequent in Kerala’s forested regions, authorities continue to stress the importance of preventive measures to protect both people and wildlife.
