Wayanad: A five-year-old male tiger has been roaming residential areas in Pachilakkad and Panamaram, Wayanad, prompting the forest department to launch an intensive capture operation. The tiger, which entered human settlements from the Paathri South Section forest, has so far evaded capture, raising concerns among local residents.

Forest officials initially tried to chase the tiger back into the forest using elephants and crackers, but the animal moved between Padikamvayal, Pulikkalvayal, Mecheri, and Eranalloorkunnu over the past two days, making tracking difficult. A tranquiliser gun and cage traps have been authorised to capture the tiger if attempts to herd it into the forest fail.

Locals in worry

Locals in Mecheri and Padikamvayal have expressed worry over the tiger’s presence near paddy fields and residential areas. Protests erupted in Padikamvayal on Tuesday morning, with residents demanding that the tiger be tranquilised and safely relocated. Forest guards reported that the tiger has not attacked humans, although a calf was killed at Thirunelli by the same tiger on Tuesday morning. Veterinary officials confirmed the calf’s death, and compensation will be provided to the owner.

Since Monday, the forest department has conducted extensive surveillance using thermal drones, tracking the tiger’s movements through dense vegetation, small hills, and orchards. Footprints were confirmed at several sites, including Cheekallur and Kesavamarar coffee plantations. The South Wayanad District Forest Officer (DFO) and teams from various forest stations, along with beat forest officers AK Aneesh, TK Nandakumar, C Antonio, and Section Forest Officer M Madhavan, are overseeing the operation.

Holiday for educational institutions

As a precaution, the Wayanad Collector, DR Meghashree, has declared holiday on Wednesday for all educational institutions, including schools, anganwadis, madrasas, and ongoing examinations, in the wards of Panamaram and Kaniyambatta panchayats. This includes Neervaram, Ammani, Nadavayal, Pariyaram, Chundakkunnu, Arinchermala, Cheengadi, Chitramoola, Varadoor, Pachilakkad, and Millumukku.

Traffic restrictions

The forest department has imposed road closures on key routes, including Panamaram–Mecheri–Koodothummal, to ensure public safety while the tiger is captured. Technical challenges, including the tiger not preying on domestic animals for two days, have complicated efforts to drug or trap it. Authorities continue to monitor the tiger’s movements using cameras and drones and have instructed locals to maintain vigil.

Officials said the tiger, in good health, poses a significant risk due to its proximity to dense residential settlements. Measures are being taken to prevent future intrusions, including clearing vegetation around residential areas and increasing forest surveillance.