Telangana: Tiger attacks cattle herd, triggers panic in Asifabad villages

A tiger that strayed from Maharashtra into Telangana triggered panic in Asifabad villages after attempting to attack cattle. Forest officials are monitoring its movement, launching awareness drives, and assuring compensation for livestock losses to avoid conflict and ensure safety.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: The movement of a tiger, reportedly one that migrated from the forests of Maharashtra into the forests in Tiryani mandal, triggered panic among villagers on Monday.

Locals said the tiger attempted to attack a herd of cattle near Edulapahad village in Tiryani mandal on Sunday. Shepherds managed to prevent the attack by raising an alarm and making noise, forcing the tiger to retreat into the forest.

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Villagers said they were living in constant fear due to the tiger’s presence in forests across multiple villages. Many feared attacks while working on farms, in addition to the loss of their cattle. They appealed to officials to take steps to divert the animals deeper into dense forest areas to prevent human and livestock casualties.

Forest officials confirmed that a sub-adult male tiger, which had migrated from Maharashtra in search of territory, had been roaming the borders of Tiryani mandal in Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Kasipet mandal in Mancherial district over the past few days.

Officials said the tiger’s movement was being tracked and steps were being taken to protect it. Awareness campaigns were also being conducted in the villages to educate people about its presence.

Villagers have been advised to avoid sudden encounters with the tiger and to refrain from harming it. Authorities assured compensation would be provided for any cattle killed. Loudspeaker announcements are being made, and residents have been told to move in groups while venturing into forested areas.