Photo: Mathrubhumi
Wayanad: The tiger that spread fear in Wayanad has been tranquilised. The tiger was tranquilised by forest guards at Kuppadithara. The tiger was spotted in a coffee plantation at Kuppadithara on Saturday morning. Later, local residents saw the tiger entering a banana plantation in the area.
The forest guards were informed about the matter and a search team reached the spot. Six tranquilisers were shot. The DFO has confirmed that the tiger was tranquilised. According to a report, the shot hit the tiger’s leg.
"The animal was tranquilized from a place near Kalpetta. It has been shifted to Bathery government animal care hospital to monitor its health," an official told PTI.
He said the tiger is around 10-years-old.
It has been confirmed that this is the same tiger that attacked the man in Puthussery, resulting in his death. Kuppadithara is around 15 kilometres from Puthussery.
"We have examined the pug marks which matched. The tiger which attacked the farmer was found near plantain farms and paddy fields. This tiger was also found from the same circumstances," the official said.
The State government had earlier assured compensation and a job for the family of the deceased farmer.
State Forest Minister A K Saseendran had said that this was the sixth death since 2015 indicating that the wildlife presence in the forests of Kerala has increased.
He had also said that the government will conduct a scientific study into the carrying capacity of wildlife in the forest.
Thomas, who was attacked by the tiger was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Kalpetta for better medical care, but succumbed to his wounds on Thursday.
Villagers alleged that the big cat had been lurking around the thickly populated village for quite some time, creating panic among the local residents.
With PTI inputs