Under watch since 2018, man-eater tiger finally captured in Wayanad; Forest dept rules out release
Kalpetta: A tiger responsible for killing a tribal elder in the Vandikkadavu area of Wayanad district in Kerala has been captured by the forest department, bringing relief to residents who had been living in fear for weeks.
The big cat was trapped inside a cage installed by forest officials around 1:30 am on Thursday after continuous monitoring of its movements.
Forest authorities confirmed that the animal, identified as WWL 48, was the same tiger involved in the fatal attack on the tribal elder and several incidents of livestock killings reported from the region.
The tiger had been terrorising residential areas bordering forest land, prompting the department to intensify surveillance and set up cages in strategic locations.
Officials said WWL 48 has been under observation since 2018. After remaining untraceable for a period, the tiger had recently re-emerged near human settlements, leading to repeated conflict situations.
Preliminary assessments suggest the animal is around 14 years old, and its advanced age may have reduced its ability to hunt natural prey within the forest.
“The tiger’s declining hunting capacity is believed to be the main reason it strayed into human habitations in search of food,” a forest department official said. Due to its involvement in a human death and repeated conflict incidents, authorities have decided that the animal will not be released back into the wild.
After undergoing a detailed health check, the tiger will be shifted to a forest department conservation centre, where it will be kept under constant veterinary supervision. Officials said the decision was taken in accordance with wildlife safety protocols and public safety considerations.
Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns after reporting sightings of footprints believed to belong to three other tigers in the Vandikkadavu area. Forest officials have acknowledged these reports and cautioned that the current period coincides with the tiger breeding season, during which big cats are more likely to stray outside forest boundaries.
The authorities have issued strict advisories urging people not to enter forest areas for cattle grazing or firewood collection. Additional patrolling and monitoring have been deployed to prevent further human-wildlife conflict and ensure public safety.