The Kerala Forest Department has initiated measures to tranquilize the tiger, which was spotted in the farmland at Pachilakkad near Kalpetta in Wayanad district about two days ago. Soon, cage traps will also be deployed in selected locations as part of attempts to catch the animal.
Forest department officials said they had received official orders to use sedatives. A team of 80 officers was deployed to coordinate operations. They said a five-year-old tiger was found moving near a paddy field in Chekkalur following which local residents were asked to remain alert.
Prohibitory Orders
As a precautionary measure, the district administration has issued prohibitory orders in five wards of Panamaram and Kaniyambetta panchayats. Schools and colleges in the area were temporarily closed and term exams postponed.
Meanwhile, some locals allegedly delayed the rapid response team in capturing the animal while hunting. They also claimed that the order to tranquilize the elusive big cat was delayed due to “official apathy”.
Published – 17 Dec 2025 11:49 IST
