CHANDRAPUR/NAGPUR: In yet another shock for wildlife buffs, a four-year-old tiger was found dead in an open well near Ratnapur village in Sindewahi forest on Sunday.

This is the fifth tiger death in Maharashtra since January 2011, and third in Brahmapuri forest division adjoining Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).

Sanjay Thavre, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF), Brahmapuri division, said it is suspected that the tiger accidentally fell into the well while chasing a prey.

The carcass was first seen by farm owner Wasudeo Kohle 5.30pm on Sunday. He reported it to a forest guard, who in turn intimated his seniors.

Sources claimed, staff sighted carcass of a wildcat floating along with tiger’s carcass. The well doesn’t have a parapet wall and is surrounded by thick shrubs. The incident exposes claims of officials of ordering all open wells to be covered.

The operation to fish out carcass will be done on Monday. The carcass will be burned on the spot after autopsy, said NJ Waghade, assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Bramhapuri forest division.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/nagpur/30533999_1_carcass-forest-division-forest-guard