The tiger had been sighted for nearly two months in Kumbalathamon near Vadasserikkara, close to forested areas, following a series of attacks on domestic animals.
Pathanamthitta (Kerala): An adult tiger that had repeatedly strayed into human habitation and preyed on livestock was captured by the forest department in the district in the early hours of Monday, officials said.
The animal had been sighted for nearly two months in Kumbalathamon near Vadasserikkara, close to forested areas, following a series of attacks on domestic animals. After receiving multiple reports from residents, forest officials installed camera traps, which confirmed the tiger’s presence in the locality.
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According to officials, the tiger had killed several animals, including buffaloes, dogs and goats belonging to nearby farms and households, triggering fear among residents. On Sunday, a goat was found dead at an isolated location near the forest, with officials confirming it had been killed by the tiger.
Forest department personnel subsequently placed a cage trap at the site, using the goat’s carcass as bait. When the tiger returned to the spot, it was successfully trapped, officials said.
The animal will be shifted to a nearby forest station for a medical examination, after which authorities will decide whether it can be released back into the wild or needs to be kept in captivity.
Officials clarified that the tiger was not involved in any attacks on humans, but acknowledged that repeated livestock killings had caused anxiety among people living in the area.
In a separate incident, a 65-year-old tribal man was killed in a tiger attack in Wayanad on Saturday (December 20), triggering panic and protests in nearby villages since it occurred soon after the start of the tiger breeding season.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 22 Dec 2025, 09:43 am IST
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