An unidentified wild animal, initially rumoured to be a tiger, has triggered panic in Sunabeda town of Koraput district in Odisha after videos reportedly showing it roaming near human settlements went viral. The sightings, which fall under the Semiliguda Forest Range, have led to heightened concern among residents, prompting the Forest Department to step up surveillance in the area.

Following the circulation of the videos, trap cameras were installed at various locations in Sunabeda. Forest staff reviewed the functioning of these cameras late into the night, up to around 11:40 p.m., and conducted night patrolling to monitor any movement of the animal. However, the Forest Department has not yet captured any images of the animal on their cameras.

Uncertainty Over Species

As per reports, despite the viral footage, the Forest Department has stated that it has not been established whether the animal is a leopard, or a hyena. Officials have also confirmed that no pugmarks were found at the time of reporting, making it difficult to confirm the species. Based on the video alone, initial suspicion suggested it could be a leopard, but internal discussions among officials have also considered the possibility of it being a hyena rather than a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Further Action Dependent on Camera Evidence

Forest officials said that the next course of action will depend on identifying the animal through trap camera footage. Until then, monitoring efforts will continue across the affected areas, as sources said.

Also Read: ‘Tiger’ pugmark spotted in Odisha’s Keonjhar protected forest

Residents Remain Anxious

Although the species has not been confirmed, the viral videos have created an atmosphere of fear in the locality. Residents remain anxious as the Forest Department continues efforts to trace and identify the animal.