TV
Pugmark of an unknown animal was spotted in a forest under the Bonai Range of Sundargarh district in Odisha. The villagers first noticed the pugmark on Saturday and immediately informed the Forest Department.
Acting on the information, a team of the forest department reached the spot and began examining the pumark.
Investigation by Forest Department
It is yet to be confirmed to which animal the pumark belongs to. Experts from the Forest Department have launched an investigation and are making attempts to identify whether the footprint belongs to a leopard or a Royal Bengal Tiger.
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The final conclusion will be drawn after detailed verification, said an official.
Heightened Patrolling and Alerts
The Forest Department has already alerted local residents and intensified patrolling in the area as a precautionary measure. The uncertainty over the animal’s identity has kept villagers on edge, with concerns rising after recent reports.
Link to Earlier Tiger Sighting
A few days ago, a Royal Bengal Tiger was sighted roaming in the Sol region, not far from the location where the pugmark was found. This earlier sighting has fuelled speculation that the pugmark might indeed belong to a Royal Bengal Tiger.
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No response could be obtained from Forest Department officials on the matter.
