A buffalo calf was killed in a tiger attack at Cheeyambam near Pulpally in Wayanad around 11 am on Thursday. The eight-month-old calf belonged to Biju, a farmer from a settlement near Irulam. It was one of five calves grazing near a check dam close to the forest when the tiger attacked.

Biju, who was working on his farm nearby, rushed to the spot after hearing the animal cry out. He said the tiger had grabbed the calf by its neck and tried to drag it into the forest before retreating on seeing him.

The injured calf was later taken to the settlement and given indigenous treatment, but it succumbed to its injuries. Forest department officials reached the spot, examined the carcass and assured the farmer that compensation would be provided.

Local representatives, including District Panchayat member Amal Joy and panchayat member Vijayan Bolan, visited the area and held discussions with residents.

The incident comes a day after a cow was attacked by a tiger at Panavally in Thirunelli panchayat, leaving the animal injured. In a separate incident near Pachilakkadu close to Kalpetta, another tiger that had caused concern among residents for several days was driven back into the forest.

The forest department has issued an advisory urging people living near forest areas to avoid grazing cattle close to the jungle and to strengthen cattle sheds, noting that the period from November marks the tiger mating season.