A four-year-old tiger from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve entered Eluru district in Andhra Pradesh around January 20 and started killing cattle. Between January 22 and early February, it killed 14 cattle in Eluru and six in East Godavari districts. The tiger first attacked a buffalo on January 26 near Dippakayalapadu, then killed a cow and injured another in nearby tobacco fields. This sudden threat scared farmers and labourers during the January-February tobacco harvest, halting work for several days. Tobacco farmers like Geda Satyanarayana and Ratna Alluri reported significant delays. A few leaves on tobacco plants ripened and were spoiled due to the pause, causing financial loss. Some labourers, like Karam Bheemamma, continued working despite the fear since they needed daily wages. Around 100 forest officials are monitoring the tiger’s movements, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority formed a panel to consider tranquilizing it. Eluru District Forest Officer P.V. Sandeep Reddy noted the tiger’s unusual behaviour, killing an average of two cattle each night. The tiger appears healthy but seems used to hunting livestock instead of wild prey. Villagers have stayed alert at night with sticks and torches, but moving cattle near homes is difficult for farmers. The tiger is currently near Rajamahendravaram outskirts. Compensation for farmers who lost cattle is being assessed, estimated around Rs. 4 lakh in total. Officials say tigers often roam away from crowded forests seeking space and food. Andhra Pradesh has 63 tigers as per the 2022 census. Human-tiger conflicts are rare; more attacks happen from other animals like bears and elephants. Forest experts urge coordinated monitoring among states to manage tiger movements safely. The Papikonda National Park nearby has enough wild prey, but the tiger returns to villages, showing unusual patterns. Some experts suggest upgrading the park to tiger reserve status to enhance protection. For now, farmers hope compensation and careful monitoring will prevent further clashes and losses.