Panic grips as tiger pugmarks found in Deogarh’s Riamal forest range; Forest dept on alert

Panic gripped villagers in the Riamal forest range of Deogarh district after tiger pugmarks were spotted near Babajimath village in the Jharmunda forest. According to sources, for the past few days, locals had been speculating about a tiger roaming the area, but this is the first confirmed evidence of its presence. 

On being informed about the incident, Forest department officials rushed to the spot and collected samples of the pugmarks, which are now being examined by an expert team.

To closely monitor the tiger’s possible movement, the department has installed trap cameras at multiple locations in the forest. In addition, dedicated patrol teams have been deployed, and awareness campaigns are being carried out using microphones to alert villagers to remain cautious.

Besides, a special team headed by the Riamal forest range DFO has been constituted to monitor the movement of the animal. It is very first time when suspected pug mark of the Royal Bengal Tiger has been found in the region, though leopards were previously spotted in the forest. 

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Forest officials have urged residents of nearby villages not to venture deep into the forest and to promptly report any further sightings of the big cat