Tiger from Telangana enters Eluru District; Forest Department on high alert

A tiger has crossed into Eluru district from Telangana, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to spring into action and alert residents of Pandirimamidigudem, Inumuru, Gadidaboru, Antarvedigudem, and nearby villages. Public announcements, traditional tom-tom beating, and intensified night patrols are being used to warn locals, while camera traps have been set up and field teams are monitoring the big cat’s movements.

District Forest Officer Sandeep Reddy confirmed that the big cat, believed to have crossed into Eluru district from Telangana’s Kavadigundla forest, after killing a calf there. The tiger entered the Nagavaram Mutha Reserve Forest in Eluru district via Pandirimamidigudem. 

Based on pugmark analysis, forest officials have confirmed the tiger’s presence within Pandirimamidigudem village limits, falling under Buttayigudem mandal and the Jangareddygudem forest range. The pugmarks indicate the tiger may be retracing its route back toward Telangana through which it entered the district.

A control room at the Eluru District Forest Office has been set up to track developments and coordinate rapid responses to any public alerts. Residents are being urged to stay calm, avoid forest paths, and immediately report any sightings to local forest officials.

The Forest Department has appealed to the public to immediately report any information related to the tiger’s movement to the following officials: Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Jangareddygudem (9505499141), Forest Range Officer, Jangareddygudem (94408 10223), Forest Section Officer, Mulagalampalli (95509 02333) and Control Room, Eluru (9908880327).

Authorities have emphasised public cooperation and vigilance until the situation is fully under control.