Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard Movement Triggers Alert in Adilabad

ADILABAD: The movement of wild animals, including tigers, sloth bears and leopards, has led to increased alert in Boath and Bheempur forest areas in Adilabad district.

The concern comes after a farmer died and six others were injured in a suspected sloth bear attack in Dayyal Dhannur village in neighboring Maharashtra, located about 3 kilometers from the Telangana border. It is suspected that the animal may have entered the Telangana region.

Forest officials said the attack in Maharashtra occurred when farmers went to irrigate their fields at night. There are suspicions that a mother sloth bear was involved.

Boath forest range officer Thodishetti Pranay advised farmers and residents to avoid entering forest areas and move in groups when visiting agricultural areas. He also urged them to return home before dusk.

Officials said leopard movement was reported in Dhannur, Sonala and Dedra forest areas. According to forest sources, around 12 leopards are said to be moving in Boath mandal, including three in Dhannur forest area.

A tiger migrating from Tipeshwar Tiger Reserve is currently moving in Gollaghat Tamsi district of Bheempur mandal. Forest officials said the animal was feeding on wild boar and resting on the banks of the Penganga river and had not entered human settlements in the past week.

Another tiger that entered the reserve was reportedly returned to its original habitat. Forest staff installed animal tracking devices and set up camera traps at designated locations to monitor movement and prevent human-animal conflict.