A wild tiger, which raised safety concerns when it was recently seen straying into a rural community in Khlong Lan district of Kamphaeng Phet province, was caught in a trap last night, according to the Facebook page of the Thailand Tiger Project DNP.

The post said that the tiger is now in the care of officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

A veterinarian checked the health of the 2-3-year-old female cat, estimated to weigh between 80 and 90kg, and found that it is blind in its left eye and emaciated with minor wounds on a left paw. It was given deworming medication, antibiotics and vitamins before being sent to the wildlife breeding station in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

The vet said that the tiger will be kept at the breeding centre for a few months for rehabilitation, before it is released back into the wild in Huai Kha Khaeng.

Surachai Pokhamanee, chief of Khlong Lan National Park, said that about 50 park officials, divided into small groups, had been maintaining vigil over a 4.8 hectare area in a village in Khlong Lan Pattana sub-district, where the tiger was suspected to be roaming.

Meanwhile, another team of officials had set up traps, containing prey to attract the tiger, which was caught by a camera trap at about 9.50pm. At about 10.20pm, the tiger ate the prey and was captured.