A tiger that had kept residents of the Kumbalathamon area in Vadasserikkara, Pathanamthitta, living in fear for close to two months was finally captured by the forest department on Monday. The successful operation brought an end to a period of intense anxiety for the local community.
The Capture and Condition of the Tiger
According to N Rajesh, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Ranni, the captured animal is a 12-year-old male tiger. The big cat was found to be in a weak and injured state at the time of its capture. The forest department suspects the injuries are likely the result of a territorial fight with another tiger.
Due to its poor health, the tiger was struggling to hunt its natural prey. This difficulty is believed to have driven the animal out of its deep forest habitat and into areas with human settlement in search of easier targets like domestic livestock.
A Two-Month Long Pursuit
The tiger scare in the region began back in October when the animal first attacked and killed a buffalo. The forest department, having captured the tiger's image on camera traps, immediately set up a cage in the area. They used the remains of the buffalo as bait, hoping to lure the tiger into the trap.
However, the cautious tiger avoided the cage for several weeks. The situation escalated on Sunday when the tiger struck again, this time killing a goat. In a dramatic incident, the tiger leaped over 23-year-old Siva, a native of Gujarat who was rearing the goats, seized one of the animals, and vanished into the forest.
Following this attack, the forest department once again placed the goat's remains inside the cage. This strategy proved successful, and the tiger was captured when it returned to feed on the bait.
Future: Rehabilitation at Thrissur Zoo
After a thorough assessment, officials have decided against releasing the tiger back into the wild. A veterinary examination revealed the tiger has a missing tooth, vision problems, and other injuries. The medical report indicated that if released, the tiger would likely struggle to hunt effectively and could again venture into human habitats.
Therefore, a decision has been made to permanently relocate the animal. The tiger will first receive treatment at an animal care facility in the Zoological Park at Puthoor, Thrissur. Once its health stabilises, it will not be released into deep forests but will instead find a new home at the Thrissur zoo, where it can be cared for appropriately given its age and physical condition.
