Tiger in Odisha’s Pipili? Speculation over ‘unidentified’ pugmarks triggers panic, forest dept reaches site

Tension gripped Mangalpur village in Pipili block of Puri district after locals reported the presence of an unidentified animal with tiger-like pugmarks late last night.

Reports cited local residents, who described the creature as yellow in colour with black stripes, leading to speculation among them that it might be a tiger. Fearing danger, hundreds of villagers gathered with sticks, bamboo poles, and torches, conducting a late-night search around houses and nearby fields.

Eyewitness account sparks alarm

According to an eyewitness, the animal was spotted near his cowshed. He claimed that it fled after being noticed, and village dogs barked continuously at its presence.

On alerting others, several villagers rushed to the spot and began searching in groups. The sighting triggered widespread fear, as many believed the animal resembled a tiger.

Forest department team reaches the spot

On Sunday morning, a forest department team from the Balipatana range under Khordha forest division reached the village to assess the situation. Officials inspected the suspected movement area and began an on-ground assessment. Photographs of paw marks found in the vicinity were collected for further analysis.

Forester Biswa Narayan Mishra confirmed that the team has documented the paw impressions and will compare them with known wildlife records to identify the species. The department has not yet confirmed whether the animal was indeed a tiger or another wild creature.

Similar Incident In Dhenkanal

In a similar report from yesterday, panic spread in Bhalumunda village, just four kilometres from Kamakhyanagar town in Dhenkanal district, after reports emerged of a mysterious animal moving around the locality.

Villagers said the creature has been spotted inside the settlement for the last three to four days, creating widespread fear among residents. Some locals even claimed to have taken photos and videos of it.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the animal resembles a leopard or another big cat, though its exact identity has not been confirmed. Alarmed by the sightings, the villagers have sought help from the Forest Department.