The Kerala Forest Department is working to tranquillize a tiger spotted two days ago near farmland at Pachilakkad, close to Kalpetta in Wayanad district. Cage traps will be set up soon to help capture the five-year-old tiger. A team of 80 officers is coordinating the operation. Officials received official permission to use tranquillizer shots to safely catch the animal. The tiger was last seen near a paddy field at Chekkallur. Locals have been urged to stay alert for safety. District officials issued prohibitory orders in five wards of Panamaram and Kaniyambetta panchayats as a precaution. Schools and colleges in the area are temporarily closed, and term exams postponed. Some local residents have raised concerns about delays by the rapid response team and said the order to tranquillize the tiger came late due to "official apathy."