An adult tiger that had repeatedly strayed into human settlements and attacked domestic animals in the Kumbalathamon area was trapped by the Forest department on Monday.
The tiger, estimated to be around eight years old, was reported to have impaired vision in one eye and was found to be in a weakened condition. It was finally captured in a cage installed along the forest boundary.
According to forest officials, the animal had been active in the region for nearly two months. Following reports of it frequently attacking domestic animals, Forest department had installed camera traps, which confirmed the presence of the straying tiger.
The animal was caught using the carcass of a goat it had killed the other day as bait. ”The animal will be subjected to a medical examinaion, following which it will be released deep inside he Periyar Tiger Reserve,” confirmed an official.
When the tiger returned to feed on it, it was caught. Earlier last month, the animal had been spotted near a house at Kumbalathamon, where it attacked a pet dog, killing it and consuming half of the carcass before retreating into the forest
The tiger’s presence had spread fear among residents living along the forest fringes, with many reluctant to venture out even during daylight hours. In October, the animal had attacked a buffalo grazing in fields close to human habitation. After confirming the tiger’s presence, the Forest department set up the cage on October 28. Although buffalo remains were initially placed as bait, the tiger had managed to evade capture until now.
Wildlife menace has been severe in the Kumbalathamon-Olikallu region, with residents complaining of wild boars frequenting the area day and night, posing a serious threat to agriculture and human safety. Rubber tapping in the early morning hours has also become difficult due to the fear of wildlife attacks. Residents say monkeys and giant squirrels too have been causing extensive damage to crops.
Published – December 22, 2025 07:10 pm IST
