A tiger that turned into a man-eater had started attacking humans because it had been illegally shot and badly injured, making it unable to hunt normally in the wild.
Experts say that when it was finally shot and killed in Dalnerechensky District, Primorsky Krai, Russia, on 15th January 15, the animal was found to be malnourished and suffering from frostbite on its paws.
Authorities stated that the endangered Amur tiger, which had previously sustained the serious wound, had become aggressive and posed a danger to local residents probably because of hunger and pain.
A team of specialists was dispatched to track the animal after reports of it killing a 53-year-old fisherman near the village of Zimniki on 13th January.
Officials explained that the tiger’s deteriorating health and injuries had likely contributed to its abnormal behaviour.
Examinations revealed the tiger had an infected gunshot wound on its abdomen and frostbitten paws, which significantly impaired its mobility.
Sergei Aramilev, the general director of the Amur Tiger Centre, said that the frostbite could also be the result of other gunshot injuries.
Experts suggested the injuries hindered the animal’s ability to hunt its natural prey, leading to increased aggression towards humans.
The decision to shoot the tiger was made after attempts to tranquilise and relocate it were unsuccessful.
Experts later confirmed that the tiger’s injuries were several weeks old and had caused significant suffering.
Local wildlife authorities emphasised the need for continued efforts to protect both human communities and endangered tiger populations in the region.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tiger’s injury and behaviour is ongoing.
The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), also known as the Siberian tiger, is the largest cat species in the world. Native to the forests of eastern Russia, north-eastern China, and parts of North Korea, it is known for its thick, pale orange coat with dark stripes, an adaptation to its cold habitat.
Despite being powerful hunters, Amur tigers are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poaching, with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild.
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