Bihar Tigress Moves Into Assam Villages, Bengal Considers Tranquilising It as Last Resort

A three-year-old tigress relocated from Bihar to West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve has moved across the state border into Assam, raising concerns among forest officials. The animal, identified as T-138, is part of West Bengal's first tiger relocation project. Despite efforts to track its movements, the tigress has shown no signs of returning to the Buxa Tiger Reserve.

According to forest officials, T-138 has been spotted near forest villages in Assam over the past six days. During this period, the tigress reportedly killed three domesticated pigs and four piglets. Its movement has also been closely monitored after it crossed a river and headed towards another village.

The tigress's movement closer to human settlements has increased concerns about the safety of local residents and their livestock. The forest departments of West Bengal and Assam have stepped up efforts to track the animal and monitor its location. Officials are keeping a close watch on its movements to prevent any potential conflict between humans and wildlife.

The Bengal Forest Department is considering tranquilising the tigress and bringing it back as a last resort. However, officials have not taken any final decision on the matter. The situation is being assessed carefully before any action is undertaken, given the challenges involved in handling and relocating a wild tiger.

An alert has also been sounded at Raimona National Park in Kokrajhar district of Assam. Forest officials are monitoring the situation in the surrounding areas as the tigress continues to move between villages. Coordination between the forest departments of the two states remains important to track the animal and manage the situation.

T-138's movement has brought attention to the challenges involved in tiger relocation projects, particularly when relocated animals move beyond their designated habitats. The forest departments are now focused on tracking the tigress, protecting nearby communities and ensuring the animal's safety.

For now, tranquilising and retrieving the tigress remains a possible last-resort option under consideration by the Bengal Forest Department. No final decision has been announced, and officials continue to monitor the animal's movements across the Assam villages.