In a remarkable display of composure, a tiger perched atop a wall in a village bordering the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve captivated the attention of onlookers gathered on rooftops to witness the unusual sight. Despite the presence of a sizable crowd, the young tiger, estimated to be between 2 to 3 years old, seemed unfazed by the human spectacle. Rather than exhibiting agitation, it leisurely basked in the winter sun, nonchalantly allowing curious bystanders to capture videos that later spread across social media platforms.
Forest officials, noting the tiger’s seemingly comfortable interaction with humans owing to its proximity to human settlements, affirmed that the animal appeared to be in good health and unaffected by the sizable gathering of spectators.
The tiger was sighted in Athkona village, situated approximately four to five kilometers away from the confines of the tiger reserve. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve’s Deputy Director, Naveen Khandelwal, provided insights into the rescue operation, stating, “We successfully rescued the young tigress found in Athkona village. It is currently under the observation of veterinary professionals within the reserve.”
Detailing the events, Khandelwal mentioned that the tiger was first sighted between 3 am to 4 am, prompting the department’s immediate action. After a tranquilizing process conducted between 10 am and 11 am, the tiger was safely extracted from the village.
When questioned about the tiger’s calm demeanor amidst the crowd, Khandelwal remarked, “Given its youth and prolonged proximity to human habitats, the tiger did not appear perturbed by the gathering. It seems accustomed to such surroundings.” He reiterated that the tiger exhibited signs of being healthy and robust.
Furthermore, Khandelwal disclosed that during the tranquilization process, four darts were fired at the tiger. While two missed their mark, one dart was self-removed by the tiger itself.
In essence, the incident showcased a rare yet harmonious coexistence between humans and a wild tiger, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation efforts in these shared habitats.
