Tiger or leopard? Forest dept intensifies round-the-clock vigil after mysterious pug mark

The Forest Department has launched an extensive search operation and intensified patrolling, including night surveillance, in Sundargarh’s Bonai range after a pugmark was spotted in Beldihi forest on Saturday. Officials also plan to install trap cameras to determine whether the mark belongs to a leopard or a Royal Bengal Tiger, as the uncertainty has left villagers anxious.

Alerted by locals, forest officials rushed to the site, collected samples of the pugmark, and sent them for expert verification. Until confirmation is received, the department is maintaining strict surveillance to track the animal’s movement.

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Safety Advisory Issued

To ensure safety, the department is issuing public announcements via microphones in nearby villages, urging residents to remain alert and take precautionary measures. Under the directives of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), STF teams, rangers, and foresters are conducting round-the-clock patrols, though the heightened vigilance has created a sense of unease among villagers.

Linked to Recent Tiger Sighting

Must Read: Mysterious pugmark spotted in Odisha’s Bonai forest range, probe begins 

Tension has grown further after a Royal Bengal Tiger was sighted in the Sol area just days ago, not far from Beldihi. This earlier encounter has fuelled speculation that the newly discovered pugmark may belong to the same predator, raising concerns about its movement across the forests of Sundargarh.