ASHWARAOPET, WARANGAL: A tiger that has crossed into Telangana from the forest areas of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in Khammam district has triggered concern among residents of border villages.
Forest department has sounded an alert in Aswaraopet mandal and deployed special task force teams to track the animal and prevent it from entering human habitations.
Aswaraopet forest officer M. Murali revealed that the tiger crossed AP border and moved through the forest areas of Kavadigundla and Chennapuram before reaching the outskirts of Gandlagudem village on Thursday night.
Forest officials in Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh said the tiger had earlier been collared. The GPS tracker signals last placed it in Regalla and Bachhuvarigudem forest areas. Officials suspect the big cat is in search of prey.
Special teams have been deployed in Gollamadugu, Kavadigundla, H. Varigudem, and other forest areas along the Telangana-AP border. Task force personnel are organising regular patrols and creating awareness among villagers about safety measures.
Forest officials have advised cattle herders to remain vigilant while taking their animals for grazing and avoid isolated areas. Villagers have also been cautioned against entering forest areas alone, particularly after dusk.
Residents have been asked to inform the Forest department immediately in case they spot the tiger or notice its pugmarks or other signs of movement.
Forest officials said their surveillance would continue round the clock, with priority given to public safety, locating the animal, and driving it back into the deep forest.
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