Tiger pugmarks found near Dhenkanal village, forest officials on alert

Fresh sightings of tiger footprints were discovered in the Bhagamunda forest under Kankadahad block in Dhenkanal district in Odisha, heightening concerns among local residents. The new traces come days after similar sightings were reported from Khata Khura village under the eastern range of Kamakhyanagar. 

As per reports, locals who noticed the footprints informed the Forest Department, following which a team reached the spot and initiated further investigation.

Residents Remain Fearful Amid Ongoing Tiger Sightings

For the past few days, villagers in and around Kamakhyanagar have remained apprehensive due to recurring tiger sightings. Forest officials, however, have so far not found any sign of the animal apart from the footprints. The department has been maintaining surveillance in the affected areas to monitor possible movements of the big cat.

Earlier Reports

As reported on October 11, a Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) was sighted in the region, reportedly preying on cows. Fear gripped both the western and eastern ranges following the recovery of a bull carcass in the Kantaripat forest, believed to have been killed by a tiger. 

Forest Department officials had used loudspeakers to alert nearby villages and advise caution. Over the next four days, tiger footprints were spotted across multiple forest locations, though the animal itself remained elusive. Reports also suggested that the tiger had previously killed two cows.

Authorities Urge Caution 

With the tiger continuing to move near human settlements, local authorities and forest personnel remain on high alert. Villagers have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid entering forested areas alone, and promptly inform the Forest Department of any further sightings. Monitoring and search operations are continuing across the affected ranges.