With a sheep suspected to be killed by a hyena in Pasuvapalayam village in Bhavanisagar, the Forest Department placed three cages in an attempt to trap the animal, on Friday, December 1, 2023.
A few days ago, an animal killed a sheep owned by a farmer, Velusamy, after which the Bhavanisagar Forest Range Office in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) was alerted. A team led by C. Sivakumar, Range Officer, along with staff inspected the spot and found marks, believed to be those of a hyena. The farm is located 4 km from the forest boundary, and village residents feared that the animal could come back again.
The Forest Department then placed camera traps to identify the animal, and movements of a hyena were recorded.
The three cages have now been placed with bait at the farm, while staff are continuing to patrol the area. The Department had asked people not to venture into farms during the night and has asked them to remain cautious.