Wild Buffalo Captured After Tranquiliser Operation in Kannur
– Kannur: According to officials, a wild buffalo that was spreading fear in Pinarayi, Dharmadam and Kathiroor residential areas was captured by a special team of the Forest Department using tranquilizer darts.
Acting on the instructions of Kannur District Forest Officer S Vaishakh, the team led by Kottiyoor Range Officer T Nithin Raj then shifted the animal to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad and released it deep in the forest.
Forest officials had been monitoring the movement of wild buffalos in Koothuparamba and Panunda districts for the last two days. The animal, which was first seen in Kathiroor Panunda on May 7, was later moved to a private property in Vadakkumbad Thottummal area.
Since the area is approximately 13.5 kilometers from the forest and located in a densely populated area, authorities stated that it was not practical to return the animal by natural means. Considering the growing concern among the residents of the area, the Forest Department started the tranquilizer operation after obtaining special permission from the chief wildlife warden.
The buffalo was eventually found behind the Thalassery College Institute of Advanced Studies in Eranjoli, where the operation was launched. According to officials, a three-member veterinary team led by Dr Ilyas Ravuthar performed the sedation procedure. Kottiyoor Forest Officer T Nithin Raj, Kannur RRT Deputy Range Officer Shaini Kumar, Divisional Forest Officers Pramod Kumar, CK Mahesh and Sunilkumar and snake volunteer Bijilesh and Kottiyoor range staff attended the function.
Officers from Thalassery Town Police Station and residents also supported the operation team. The captured wild buffalo was transported to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in a private vehicle and released into the forest after officials confirmed that it was in good health.
