A stray tiger caught and released in Rajasthan

Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), Mar 23 (ANI): A tiger that entered a residential area and injured a woman in the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan has been captured and released in a nearby forest.

Forest authorities swung into action by tranquilising the tiger and releasing it into the forest.

"A tiger caught hold of me. I was in the field. I screamed for help. Some four people came to rescue me," said Vimala Devi.

Instances of tigers straying into residential areas is not a new thing. There have been instances in the past when wildlife officials have caught the animals after they strayed into houses.

Depleting forest cover and lack of natural habitat for the animals is one of the major reasons for the wild animals to stray into the residential areas.

There were about 40,000 tigers in India a century ago.

A government census report published this year says the tiger population has fallen to 1,411, down from 3,642 in 2002, largely due to dwindling habitat and poaching. (ANI)