The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has intensified efforts to safely capture a tiger that has been roaming across the Eluru, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada and Chintoor forest divisions in and around the Papikonda National Park.Special teams, including wildlife experts from Pune, Maharashtra, have been deployed to track and capture the animal.Senior officials, including the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Rajamahendravaram, and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Eluru, visited the area to review the situation and monitor the operation.According to Forest Department officials, the tiger is moving through hilly terrain and dense forests, making the operation particularly challenging. They said the animal has been displaying unusual caution while moving through the region.The department said teams equipped with tranquillising equipment are ready to immobilise and capture the tiger as soon as it moves into a more accessible location.Forest personnel have been continuously tracking the animal’s movements and alerting residents of nearby villages through drum announcements and public address systems. Officials and staff from the Kannapuram, Polavaram, Kukkunoor and Jangareddygudem forest ranges have been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of local residents and facilitate the capture operation.The Forest Department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant, avoid venturing alone into forested areas and immediately report any sighting of the tiger to the authorities.Officials expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the safe capture of the tiger without causing harm to either the animal or the local population, according to a press release issued on Friday. Published - July 31, 2026 08:04 pm IST