Residents of Degaon and adjoining villages of Khanapur taluk were tense after a calf was dragged away by a tiger on Friday night even as the operation to recapture the tiger that was released into the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary continued for the third day.
However, forest officials could not immediately confirm whether it was a tiger or a leopard that attacked the calf. Both Talawade and Degaon are in close proximity to the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials said they have received reports that leopards have been sighted from different areas.
Though the residents claimed that the wild cat that took away the calf was a tiger, the carcass is yet to be traced. Once it is traced, veterinary doctors can ascertain whether the calf had fallen prey to a tiger or a leopard.
Apart from forest and police personnel, wildlife experts, including Sanjay Gubbi, are involved in the search operations.
Search hamperedWhile officials and members of the search team could not be contacted, reliable sources said the tiger had moved into the Mahadeyi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Goa side.
Bear attackMeanwhile, 50-year-old Satyabhama Shankar Gavade was killed by four bears on the outskirts of Betne village under Kankumbi forest range on Sunday.
The residents submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram here on Saturday and urged him to release compensation to the bereaved family.
