Villagers compete for selfies as a tiger roams into their villages in search of new territory
Villagers compete for selfies as a tiger roams into their villages in search of new territory
Videos featuring individuals capturing selfies with a sub-adult tiger in the Bhandara district of eastern Maharashtra have gained widespread attention online.
A forest official reported on Friday that the tiger, approximately 18 to 19 months old, is nearing the time to separate from its mother and is actively seeking its own territory.
A recent video captured in the Borgaon region of the Adyal forest range, just two days ago, depicted local residents taking photographs and selfies from as close as 10 meters while a tiger rested after a cattle kill.
The forest department is implementing safety measures; however, due to the proximity of villages, individuals tend to gather at the site whenever a cattle kill occurs or when the tiger is sighted, according to an official.
To ensure safety, a specialized team is stationed in the Adyal forest range to monitor the tiger, and local police assist with managing the crowds that form when the tiger draws public interest, the official added.
Rahul Gawai, the deputy conservator of forests in Bhandara, stated that the animal in question is the cub of a tigress referred to as BT-10. According to the official, this cub has been responsible for the deaths of approximately 13 to 14 cattle by venturing into nearby villages.
Forest officials have noted that the tiger exhibits unusual behavior, appearing unbothered by the presence of humans. Authorities have been informed, and plans are underway to relocate the tiger to a safer environment in the near future.
