Telangana: Tiger attacks cattle, panic prevails in Asifabad villages
Asifabad: The arrival of a tiger from Maharashtra forests into the forests of Tiryani mandal on Monday created panic among villagers. Locals said the tiger tried to attack a herd of cattle near Edulapahar village in Tiryani mandal on Sunday. Shepherds stopped the attack by making noise, which made the tiger retreat back into the forest. Villagers said they were living in constant fear due to the presence of the tiger in the forests of several villages. Many people fear being attacked while working in the fields, as well as their cattle being killed. They appealed to the authorities to take steps to send the animal to dense forests to prevent casualties on humans and livestock.
Forest officials have confirmed that a young male tiger, which came from Maharashtra in search of territory, was roaming around the borders of Tiryani mandal of Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Kasipet mandal of Mancherial district for the last few days. Officials said the tiger’s movements were being monitored and steps were being taken to protect it. Awareness campaigns are also being run in villages to inform people about the presence of the tiger. Villagers have been advised to avoid sudden encounters with the tiger and avoid harming it. Officials have assured that compensation will be given for the cattle killed. Announcements are being made over loudspeakers and residents have been asked to walk in groups while going into the forest.
