
<p>December 29, 2023: In a riveting incident, the residents of Athkona village in Uttar Pradesh&#8217;s Pilibhit district found themselves in the unexpected company of an adult tigress, triggering a frantic yet coordinated effort by forest officials to safely rescue the majestic animal.</p>



<p>The commotion unfolded when an adult tigress ventured out of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve forest and entered Athkona village, situated approximately 20 km away. The feline found an unlikely perch atop the compound wall of a Gurdwara, sparking panic among the locals. Swiftly responding to the situation, residents promptly alerted the forest department, setting into motion a plan to ensure the safety of both the villagers and the wandering tigress.</p>



<p>Forest officials, upon arrival at the village around 5 AM, established a security cordon using a net to contain the situation. Videos captured by onlookers showcased the unusual sight of the tigress, injured and seeking refuge on the wall, drawing the attention of residents from neighbouring areas. Social media platforms quickly became a platform for sharing videos and updates about the incident.</p>



<p>Locals gathered at a safe distance to witness the captivating spectacle, with some daring individuals climbing onto the roofs of nearby houses to get a closer look. Forest department officials strategically placed a net around the wall, and their coordinated efforts led to the successful rescue of the tigress. The big cat is currently under the observation of veterinary doctors within the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.</p>



<p>Naveen Khandelwal, Deputy Director of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, provided insights into the situation, stating, &#8220;We have rescued the tigress that was spotted in Atkona village. It is under observation by veterinary doctors in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. It is a young female and is approximately 2-3 years old.&#8221; Khandelwal further explained that the tigress, first located in the village, was safely removed on Tuesday morning after being tranquilized.</p>



<p>The video footage, shared on December 26, quickly went viral, amassing over 1.1 lakh views and sparking discussions on the tigress&#8217;s well-being and the importance of its return to its natural habitat. Many expressed relief at the safe rescue, while others pondered on the health and future of the big cat. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human habitats and wildlife, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of both.</p>

