13.5.21

Maharashtra: 3 tiger cubs, sloth bear found dead in Bhandara

Three tiger cubs and a sloth bear were found dead in separate places in Bhandara forest division on Wednesday.

Though forest officials claimed all the deaths to be natural, the tiger cubs could have been saved had the frontline staff been alert.

On Tuesday, a leopard died of poisoning and its four paws and canines were removed by poachers in Sadak Arjuni, Gondia. In the first case, two-month-old tiger cubs, both female, were found dead in a siphon canal of Tekapar lift irrigation project, 15km from Bhandara near Garada. The cubs were first noticed by some morning runners out on their routine.

Bhandara deputy conservator SB Bhalavi said the cubs may have drowned on Tuesday night after falling into the siphon well that had water due to rains. “We have installed camera traps to trace the mother. Her pugmarks were seen near the spot,” said Bhalavi.

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