The carcass of a tigress was discovered on Sunday by forest staff patrolling the Dhela zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve, marking the fifth reported tiger death in Uttarakhand this year . The big cat’s head was bleeding, and elephant footprints were found nearby, leading officials to suspect a clash between the animals.
Saket Badola, the reserve’s director, said, “The tigress’s skull was completely crushed, and there were footprints near its carcass. Prima facie, it seems elephants were behind its death.” He said patrolling in the area has been increased.
Ruling out poaching, he added, “All the body parts of the tigress were intact; therefore, no foul play is suspected.” Authorities described the incident as ‘unusual’ and are scanning the area to monitor elephant activity.