Sighting of tigress sparks panic among villagers in Telangana’s Mancherial

Forest officials said the big cat, which killed a wild boar, might have drifted towards Varipet village located around 5 km from Dubbagudem

Mancherial: A tigress that continued to roam around Dubbagudem village for the last three days was sighted at a farm on the outskirts of Varipet on Thursday, triggering panic among locals.

Forest officials said the tigress might have drifted towards Varipet village located around 5 km from Dubbagudem. The pugmarks of the tigress, which killed a wild boar, were spotted on the village outskirts.

---

It might consume the kill’s meat before entering nearby forests. It was sighted directly by the officials while resting at a canal near Dubbagudem village on Tuesday.

The officials further said awareness was being created among villagers over the presence of the tigress. Steps were taken to ensure safety of the tigress. Six CCTV camera traps were installed to record movement of the tigress.

Farmers were requested not to set electrified fences to prevent damage of crops by wild animals, posing a threat to tigers. Animal trackers were deployed at the spot to track its movement.

Villagers were urged not to trust rumours circulated on social media platforms. They were advised to confirm whereabouts of the tigers with the officials.

The tiger had strayed into the forests of Kasipet after killing a boar recently.

However, locals expressed concern over their safety considering the unprecedented movement of the tigers. They urged the forest officials to take steps to prevent human loss.

They said they were living in the grip of fear. They added that they were hesitating to enter agriculture fields.