In a concerning development, a large tiger has been reported to be on the prowl in the Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district of Telangana. The tiger has already claimed the life of a woman and attacked a farmer, raising alarms among local authorities and residents alike. In response to these incidents, forest officials have issued a series of safety guidelines and are actively working to raise awareness in the region.
The tiger’s attacks have prompted the Forest Department to take immediate action, including urging villagers to take extra precautions when venturing into agricultural fields and forested areas. Forest officials have warned the public to remain vigilant and have begun distributing special protective masks to the local people. The masks are designed to be worn on the back of the head, creating the illusion of a person facing the tiger. According to the officials, this strategy is effective because tigers typically attack from behind, and the mask on the back of the head will make the tiger think that the person is facing it, potentially deterring an attack.
The Forest Department’s efforts include raising awareness about the tiger’s behavior. “The tiger generally attacks from behind, and it attacked the woman in such a manner,” explained a forest official. “By wearing the mask, the person will appear to be facing the tiger, which could make the tiger rethink its approach.”
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In addition to the distribution of masks, the authorities have issued several guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of villagers and farmers working in the region. One of the key safety measures is to avoid going into the forest alone. Villagers are advised to travel in groups of at least 8 to 10 people when working in fields such as during harvesting or other agricultural activities. Two individuals within each group should act as sentries, making noise with a drum or whistle to alert others of any danger.
For farmers working in the fields, the Forest Department recommends staying on elevated platforms while working to avoid potential encounters with the tiger. Shepherds are also advised to move in groups and avoid taking livestock more than 2 kilometers from the village for grazing. Additionally, shepherds should refrain from taking their flocks out before 10 am and should return by 4 pm to reduce the risk of tiger attacks.
Farmers and shepherds are also encouraged to carry protective sticks and small bells while working in the fields. Both groups are being asked to wear the face masks on the back of their heads for added protection.
A community-driven approach has been put in place to ensure greater safety and quick responses to any sightings of the tiger. The formation of a village protection committee is being encouraged, with the sarpanch acting as the chairperson, the Forest Beat Officer as the convener, and a police officer nominated by the sub-inspector to oversee safety operations.
Authorities are urging locals to report any signs of tiger movement or tracks immediately to the village protection committee or the Forest Department. By reporting such evidence promptly, the authorities hope to take swift action and prevent further incidents.
As the situation unfolds, the Forest Department continues to work closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the risk of further tiger attacks. Villagers are urged to stay alert and follow the safety guidelines to protect themselves from the elusive predator.
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