Unknown animal triggers panic in Odisha village; locals keep overnight vigil

Panic has gripped Madaranga village under Kamakhyanagar Mahabirod range in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district after reports of a mysterious animal attack. Villagers, fearing it might be a tiger, stayed awake all night, patrolling with sticks and bamboo fences to guard their homes and livestock, sources said on Monday.

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The fear stems from an incident reported yesterday, when an unknown animal attacked a cow being grazed near a forest. Locals rushed to the spot, forcing the animal to flee into the nearby jungle. The cow sustained injuries on its back and is currently under treatment.

While villagers believe it was a tiger, the Forest Department has expressed doubts. Officials say no clear pugmarks have been found to confirm if the predator was indeed a tiger or another wild animal.

A forest team has been deployed to the area for patrolling and public awareness. Residents have been advised via loudspeakers not to venture out at night unless necessary. Surveillance on the animal’s movement is underway.

The Forest Department is working to ensure the safety of villagers while investigating the nature and identity of the animal responsible for the attack.

“At around 2.00-2.30 PM yesterday, when I was at my residential quarters, I got a phone call from someone who told me that a tiger had attacked a cow. Immediately, along with my staff, I rushed to the spot,” Mahabirod ranger, Haresh Chandra Kishan, expressed.

“When I asked a herdsman, he also told me that a tiger had attacked a cow. After we, along with the herdsman, reached the spot, we did not find any pugmark,” the official said.

“It was raining at that time. However, a deep scratch was on the cow’s body. A tiger was previously sighted on the Angul side,” the forest official added.