Vadasserikkara: The tiger prowling through Vadasserikkara village in Pathanamthitta continues to elude capture, circling the trap set by forest officials but refusing to step inside. Frequent sightings near human settlements have left residents of Kumbalathaman living in constant fear, reluctant to venture outdoors.

The big cat struck again on Monday afternoon, killing a buffalo at the Kumbalathaman Jungle Book Farm. The following evening, forest officials and local residents set up a cage at the site where the carcass was found. When they arrived around 7.30 pm to place the trap, the tiger was spotted nearby and had to be driven away with a warning shot before the cage could be installed.

Later that night—and again on Wednesday night—the tiger returned to the spot, dragged the carcass closer to the cage, but still avoided entering it. Forest officials from the Thannithodu Forest Station rearranged the cage on Thursday morning after examining the animal’s tracks and movement patterns.

Claw marks were discovered near the area where the farm’s cattle were tethered. The farm houses around 50 animals, including hens, pigs, buffaloes, and cows. Adding to the concern, wild elephants have also been frequenting the area, with two tuskers damaging rubber trees on Wednesday night.

The simultaneous presence of the tiger and elephants has deepened anxiety among locals. Many residents remain indoors both day and night, while children are said to be especially terrified.