Sundarbans, Jan 05 (V7N) — A full-grown male tiger trapped in an illegal deer-hunting snare in the Sundarbans has been rescued by a specialised team of the Forest Department and is being transported in a cage to Khulna for medical treatment.

Forest officials said the tiger was sedated using a tranquiliser gun before being safely freed from the trap. The animal’s front left leg had been caught in the snare, causing visible injuries. Experts believe the tiger had been trapped for four to five days.

The Forest Department received information on Saturday afternoon that a tiger had been caught in a poachers’ snare about half a kilometre inside the forest along the Shorkir Khal in Mongla. Rescue operations began immediately and continued until Sunday.

Md Azad Kabir, acting officer of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre under the Dhangmari Station of the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said the tiger was being taken to the Forest Department’s Wildlife and Nature Conservation Rescue Centre in Khulna. He added that the animal had become weak and was being given medication and saline. Further decisions will be made after detailed treatment and observation in Khulna.

A veterinary surgeon and expert team arrived from Dhaka on Sunday afternoon to assist in the rescue, while officials from the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division in Khulna also joined the operation.

Md Mofizur Rahman Chowdhury, fisheries expert and smart data coordinator at the Khulna office of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, said the tiger was tranquillised at around 2:30pm on Sunday. After being rescued, it was immediately transferred to Khulna for medical care.

Forest officials said the condition of the tiger will be closely monitored, and further action will be taken based on veterinary assessment following treatment.

END/AHS/SMA/