Concerns rise as wild tiger lurks near Kamphaeng Phet village

A wild tiger prowling the vicinity of a village in Kamphaeng Phet sparked serious concerns among locals, prompting the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to dispatch a team of officials and veterinarians to capture the big cat.

The tiger was sighted in the forest adjacent to Kariang Namtok village in Khlong Lan Pattana of Khlong Lan district, according to DNP director-general, Atthapol Charoenchansa.

“Officials received reports of the tiger’s presence and, upon inspection on February 16 evening, found the animal disappearing into the forest behind the village, leaving behind scattered footprints.”

Pinpointing the tiger’s origin is challenging, as the region links with the Thung Yai and Huay Kha Khaeng forests. Once captured, the tiger will undergo a health check, receive any necessary treatment, and be returned to the wild, reported Bangkok Post.

Khlong Lan National Park chief, Surachai Photkhamanee, revealed that an examination of the tiger’s footprints suggests it measures approximately 1.5 metres in length and stands 70 to 80 centimetres tall. Based on these dimensions, estimated to be two years old, the young tiger is believed to have strayed from Khun Nam Yen in Mae Wong National Park.

Surachai confirmed that park officials are keeping a close eye on the village to ensure the safety of inhabitants. Yesterday, a team of around 50 individuals was deployed to track the tiger and aid in the capture operation. The tiger has already reportedly killed a pig, fueling fear within the local community.

In related news, three tigers believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries.

The tigers are suspected of patrolling the forests of Duang Charoen, Nern Thong, and Chong Kamew in the Ta Sae district’s Song Pee Noing subdistrict.