Chiang mai: Authorities are investigating the deaths of three cows found in a forest area near Doi Inthanon National Park.
According to Thai News Agency, it is suspected that a large animal was responsible, as footprints approximately 6-7 cm wide were found at the scene.
The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation revealed that officials investigated a report from villagers who sighted a tiger in the forest of Ban Mae Pa Ko, Village No. 9, Ban Luang Subdistrict, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province, which is within Doi Inthanon National Park. They found several footprints, approximately 6-7 centimeters wide, and three carcasses of cows with bite marks on their necks in three separate locations, about 50 meters apart.
A detailed identification of the animal is currently underway. Camera traps have been installed to monitor its behavior and confirm its species. Patrol officers have been deployed to monitor the area 24 hours a day, and a team of veterinarians and equipment are on standby to capture or detain the animal if it is confirmed to be a tiger and continues to move near residential areas, in order to prevent danger to residents.
Previously, Doi Inthanon National Park has never reported any tigers in the area. If it is confirmed to be a tiger, it is possible that it escaped from a captive enclosure in the nearby area. Therefore, an investigation has been ordered into the cages and those who have reported owning tigers in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces.
Initially, officials inspected nearby tiger enclosures and found that the Princess Rangsinapadol Yugala Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, which had reported owning seven tigers, still had all its tigers present. They also checked with those who had reported owning tigers in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, finding only two individuals, and one individual whose tigers were being cared for at the Mae Taeng Tiger Sanctuary. All tigers reported were found to be present at the location.