A tiger that entered West Bengal from neighboring Jharkhand three days ago has been sheltering in Raika Hills, within Purulia district’s Bandwan range, for the past two days, according to Chief Conservator of Forests S. Kulandaivel.
“No fresh pugmarks were found today, suggesting the tiger is deep inside the forest. The hilly terrain and dense vegetation have limited the effectiveness of over 70 cameras deployed across the region,” Kulandaivel stated. Surveillance efforts are being bolstered with drones.
Seven forest department teams, including experts from the Sundarbans trained in big-cat tracking, are on high alert. To protect human settlements, nylon fencing has been erected near the forested areas, while trap-door cages baited with cattle are ready for use. Officials have also launched campaigns urging locals to avoid the forest, especially at night, and to secure livestock.
Kulandaivel clarified that the tiger’s origin remains uncertain, but it likely came from Jharkhand, unaffiliated with any tiger conservation project. He emphasized avoiding harm to the animal.
Last month, another tiger, named Zeenat, wandered into West Bengal from Odisha and was captured after a 21-day search involving teams from three states. The current operation is seen as equally challenging.
