Tiger that strayed from Sariska into Haryana spotted in Rajasthan

A two-and-a-half-year-old tiger that strayed into Haryana from the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan has been spotted in the Tijara-Alwar forest zone.

After spending over 15 days in Jhabua forest in Rewari, Tiger ST-303 has so far managed to evade trap cages and tranquilisation efforts by Rajasthan and Haryana wildlife teams.

The tiger had travelled around 100 km to reach the Jhabua reserved forest. It ventured into the Tijara Alwar forest area last night but was back by Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, an alert has been sounded in Rewari and Nuh villages asking people not to venture out in the area. Farmers too have been asked not to visit their fields and inform the authorities in case they spot the tiger or see its pugmarks.

Though the tiger has been caught on cams installed in the area, the wildlife teams have so far failed to trap the big cat. As last resort they have put up cages but it has managed to eat the bait without getting trapped.

“Cages have been put but the tiger is too smart. It waits for some time and then kills the bait but does not step into the cage. The teams are waiting,” said Haryana Wildlife Inspector Rajesh Chahal.

According to Rajasthan DFO Rajendra Hudda, the tiger did start on its trail back home but returned to Jhabua forest.

In January, the tiger had returned to Rajasthan on its own after staying in Haryana for a few days.

“The tiger is familiar with the path as it had come here in January as well. It won’t stay in Haryana for long,” said Gokul Kanan, a biologist accompanying the wildlife teams.

"We have set up cages but in case its keeps dodging, we will have no option but to wait for it to return on its own ,” said Kanan.