In an unusual incident, a tiger has ventured into the Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh, causing the local Forest Department to take immediate action. The big cat is believed to have originated from Telangana’s Kavadigundla forest and entered the Nagavaram Mutha Reserve Forest in Eluru district via Pandirimamidigudem.
District Forest Officer Sandeep Reddy confirmed that the tiger had reportedly killed a calf in Telangana before crossing into Andhra Pradesh. Pugmark analysis by forest officials has confirmed the tiger’s presence within the limits of Pandirimadigudem village, which falls under Buttayigudem mandal and the Jangareddygudem forest range. The pugmarks suggest that the tiger may be retracing its route back toward Telangana.
Public announcements, traditional tom-tom beating, and intensified night patrols are being employed to warn local residents in Pandirimamidigudem, Inumuru, Gadidaboru, Antarvedigudem, and surrounding villages. To ensure effective communication and coordination, a control room has been set up at the Eluru District Forest Office. Residents have been urged to remain calm, steer clear of forest paths, and promptly report any sightings to local forest officials.
The Forest Department has appealed for cooperation from the public and encourages anyone with information regarding the tiger’s movements to contact the following officials: Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Jangareddygudem (9505499141), Forest Range Officer, Jangareddygudem (94408 10223), Forest Section Officer, Mulagalampalli (95509 02333), and Control Room, Eluru (9908880327).
Authorities stress the importance of public vigilance until the situation is under control.
