Forest officials to use trapping pits to catch killer tiger
BAREILLY: After a fortnight of unsuccessful run to capture a tiger who killed three people last month, the foresters of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve have gone on the offensive and decided to use trapping pits to catch the big cat.
The technique, suggested by experts from Hyderabad, is being used by the forest department for the first time
“We have decided to dig 10x12 ft pits which are at least 12 ft deep, to capture the animals. We will dig four such pits in the areas where the tiger has been spotted ,” said forest conservator VK Singh, who is overseeing the operation. The forest department has so far tried cages with live baits, reinforced nets and even drones to capture the animal which is on the prowl . “The worrying aspect of the situation is that the area where the tiger is located is not a forest but fields. Farmers are bound to go there which makes them susceptible to attacks.For now we have managed to stop the locals but it cannot go on for ever,” said Singh, explaining the use of the method which might well result in a serious injury to the tiger.
The pits will be camouflaged with net covered with twigs and leaves. A live bait will be tied near it every day to lure the tiger. “Our priority is to capture the tiger. We don’t wish to injure it and the pit is designed in such a way that there is no chance of a serious injury,” he said .