A tiger that had wandered into human settlements in Wayanad, triggering significant alarm among residents over two days, has successfully made its way back into the forest. Forest department officials provided this reassuring update on Wednesday.
Late-Night Operation Secures Safe Return
The situation, which had caused fear in the areas of Padikkam Vayal and Cheekaloor, was resolved following a strategic operation by the forest department. On Tuesday night, personnel conducted an intervention at Pulikkal, a wooded area surrounded by paddy fields. The team used cracker bursts to gently steer the big cat away from the villages and guide it towards the safety of the forest.
Pugmarks Confirm Path to Pathiri Reserve
A follow-up search conducted on Wednesday morning provided concrete evidence of the tiger's retreat. Forest personnel discovered fresh pugmarks (footprints) clearly indicating the animal's movement away from the human habitations. The trail confirmed that the tiger had headed in the direction of the Pathiri Reserve Forest.
Ajith K Raman, the South Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer, officially confirmed the development. He stated that the animal has indeed entered the Pathiri reserve area, effectively diffusing the immediate crisis.
Precautionary Measures and Lifted Restrictions
While the immediate threat has subsided, the forest department is not letting its guard down. As a precautionary step, officials plan to install camera traps along the forest boundary and intensify patrolling in the border zones. This will help monitor animal movement and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In light of the tiger's return to its natural habitat, the department has informed the local revenue authorities. Consequently, the prohibitory orders and restrictions that were imposed in the area after the tiger's initial straying have been lifted. Life for the residents of Padikkam Vayal and Cheekaloor is now returning to normal.
