Mayurbhanj, Sept. 25 (UDN): Panic spread among residents of Khaparkhai village under Karanjia forest division after a sub-adult Royal Bengal Tiger was spotted near a cattle shed on the outskirts of the village.
Representational Image
According to local residents, the tiger had been moving through the area for around three days before it was spotted near a villager’s cattle shed on Thursday evening.
The sighting prompted villagers to alert the Forest Department. By the time forest personnel reached the location, however, the animal had moved away towards the nearby forest.
Tiger Enters Cattle Shed
Residents said the tiger entered the premises of a house and was later found lying inside a cattle shed. After villagers noticed the animal and shone a light towards the shed, it reportedly emerged and moved towards the forest as people gathered nearby.
Forest officials subsequently confirmed the tiger’s presence in the area and began monitoring its movement.
Sub-Adult Tiger Near Similipal Landscape
Officials have identified the animal as a sub-adult tiger. Young tigers often move across larger areas as they disperse and search for suitable territory.
Khaparkhai lies close to the Similipal landscape, where movement of wild animals between forested areas has been reported.
A local sarpanch also claimed that the tiger killed and consumed a goat in the area on Wednesday, raising concerns among residents about possible further movement towards human habitation in search of food.
Forest Department Steps Up Vigil
Following the sighting, forest personnel have intensified surveillance in and around the affected area. Officials have also alerted local representatives and forest staff in neighbouring areas, including parts of the Karanjia division and areas adjoining Similipal.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly while venturing near forested areas during the evening and night.
Officials said the tiger has moved back towards the forest and that its movements will continue to be closely tracked to prevent any potential human-animal conflict.
