Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): An adult tiger attacked a two-and-a-half-year-old tiger in the Khitoli range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on Friday. Forest officers intervened to save the young tiger, who was later rushed to Mukundpur Zoo for treatment.
A Forest officer of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve told The Free Press that the young tiger, aged two-and-a-half years, had entered the territory of an adult tiger in the Khitoli range. In an attempt to defend its territory, the adult tiger pounced on the young one. The attack left the young tiger severely injured, with a fractured leg.
Upon hearing the growling of both tigers, nearby Forest Staff rushed to the spot and managed to rescue the young tiger. Had the Forest team not intervened, the adult tiger might have killed the young tiger.
The injured tiger was taken to Mukundpur Zoo for treatment. Unfortunately, due to the fracture in its leg, the young tiger is likely to spend the rest of its life in the zoo's enclosure.
Notably, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has the highest number of tigers among all the tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh. Territorial fights are common, as young tigers often challenge adult tigers for territory. These clashes sometimes result in fatalities among the big cats.
