Fresh Big Cat Scare in Sundargarh After Cow Found Killed Near Hill

Sundargarh: Fresh concerns have surfaced in western Odisha after suspected movement of a big cat was reported once again in the forested areas of Sundargarh district.

The development comes months after a tiger was sighted in the Sundargarh Forest Division, where it had killed and partially consumed a calf in the Sadar forest range before reportedly moving towards the Bamra and Bonai forest regions.

On Saturday, panic resurfaced following reports of a possible big cat presence near Yugiyugene hill, close to Biratula village under Subdega block. While no direct sighting has been confirmed, locals discovered a dead cow at the base of the hill, bearing signs of an attack by a wild animal.

Villagers who reached the spot on Saturday afternoon also found pug marks believed to belong to a large carnivore and promptly informed the forest department.

A forest department team later arrived at the site and began an on-ground assessment. As part of surveillance measures, three camera traps have been installed in the area to monitor the movement and confirm the presence of the animal.

Subdega Forest Ranger Anjana Gardia said that although the pug marks and the nature of the kill suggest a possible big cat attack, it is yet to be ascertained whether the predator is the same tiger spotted earlier or another animal, such as a leopard.

The search operation was suspended on Saturday evening due to fading light and is expected to resume on Sunday morning as officials continue efforts to gather evidence and track the animal.

Authorities have advised local residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing into forested or hilly areas until there is clarity regarding the animal’s identity and movement.