Tiger found dead in eastern Maharashtra

CHANDRAPUR (MAHARASHTRA): A full-grown tiger was today found dead near a village under Moharli forest range here in eastern Maharashtra, officials said.

This was the third tiger death reported from the district, which houses Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, this year.

The carcass was located by a forest guard near village Kitadi this afternoon during a routine patrolling.

The wild cat appeared to be 12-15 years old, said Kalyan Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF).

"Circumstances indicate that the tiger died due to old age. Its body parts like claws were intact," he said.

Kumar said there is no reason to suspect foul play in the tiger's death though the real cause will be known only after an autopsy scheduled for tomorrow.

Earlier, tiger deaths were reported on January 23 and February 19.