Tiger Sighting Triggers Panic in Mahbubabad Villages

WARANGAL: A tiger sighting has led to panic among people near Medikunta Gutta, close to Polaram village in Kothaguda mandal, and in parts of the Gangaram forest region in Mahbubabad district.

Locals said the big cat was first spotted by a youth, Vinod, while he was fishing on Sunday. Following the report, forest department officials issued a clarification, stating that no scientific evidence of a tiger had been found in the immediate Kothaguda area. However, officials confirmed that clear signs of tiger movement, including authentic pugmarks, were detected in the nearby Gangaram forest region. Residents have been warned against venturing alone into forest areas, agricultural fields, or isolated locations. People were advised to remain particularly alert during early morning and late evening hours, when tigers are most active.

Forest range officer Wajahat Ali said the evidence indicated that the tiger was active in the Gangaram forest belt and issued an urgent safety advisory for residents of Polaram, Gangaram, and surrounding habitations. He said the forest department was tracking the animal’s movement on a continuous basis to ensure public safety.

The officer urged residents to immediately report any fresh sightings or signs of the animal to the authorities and cautioned against trying to harm or provoke the tiger, stating that such actions are both dangerous and illegal.

Officials assured the public that the situation is being monitored round the clock and that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent human-wildlife conflict. People were asked not to believe or circulate unverified rumours and to strictly follow official advisories, reiterating that the department’s priority is public safety while ensuring the protection of wildlife.