Wayanad: The Forest Department has identified the tiger roaming the Padiyamvayal–Pachilakkad area of Wayanad as WL 112, a five-year-old male. The animal was traced to a marshy paddy field at Cheekkalloor by Tuesday noon and was later sighted at night in human habitations at Mechierikunnu and Eranallloor near Pachilakkad. Visuals of the tiger running across a paddy field have since circulated widely on social media.

Search operations have been underway since Monday, following the tiger’s movement, which triggered panic among residents. As a precaution, prohibitory orders restricting public movement in the affected areas have been issued, and a cage trap has been set up. However, South Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer Ajith K Raman said the focus is on driving the animal back into the forest rather than capturing it.

Although the tiger was initially detected using a drone, officials said tracking it has since become difficult. Rapid Response Teams from the Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavadi forest divisions have been deployed. Police, forest and revenue officials are jointly coordinating the operation, with the Revenue Divisional Officer present to address any law-and-order issues.

Two trained kumki elephants, Vikram and Bharat, from the Muthanga elephant camp have been pressed into service. The operation is being supervised by Ajith K Raman and R Santhosh (North Wayanad). Wildlife veterinarian Dr Ajesh Mohandas, a specialist in animal capture operations, is also on the ground.

Forest officials said no incidents of cattle lifting have been reported, indicating that the tiger is in good physical condition. They believe the animal may have strayed into human habitations in search of territory or a mate, coinciding with the mating season of big cats.

In view of the tense situation, District Collector D R Meghashree has declared a holiday on Wednesday for all educational institutions, including anganwadis and madrasas, in wards 6, 7, 8, 9 and 14 — Neervaram, Ammani, Nadavayal, Pariyaram and Chundakkunnu — of Panamaram grama panchayat.