Tiger that strayed into Kerala’s Wayanad for two days returns to forest

Wayanad (Kerala), Dec 17 (PTI) The Kerala Forest Department on Wednesday said the tiger that strayed into populated areas of the hill district from the Pathiri reserve two days ago has returned to the forest.

Wayanad South Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ajith K Raman told reporters that pug marks indicated the animal had returned to the jungle.

He said camera traps would be installed in the area and patrolling would be intensified to ensure the tiger does not stray back.

Earlier in the day, State Forest Minister A K Saseendran said department officials and personnel were working efficiently to capture the tiger if necessary.

The minister said orders had been issued authorising the tranquillisation of the animal, which would be carried out at an appropriate time and location if required.

The tiger’s presence had created tension in Panamaram panchayat and nearby areas, leading to the closure of schools and advisories for residents to remain indoors, a senior forest official said.

The official said the five-year-old tiger had not displayed any aggressive behaviour and there had been no conflict with people.

"It has only shown straying behaviour," he said.

Efforts were underway to drive the tiger back into the forest or capture it, and veterinary teams were on standby to tranquillise the animal if those attempts failed.

Hundreds of forest personnel, including rapid response teams, trained kumki elephants used to manage wild elephants, and thermal cameras were deployed in the search operation, the official added. PTI HMP SSK