Royal Bengal Tiger Sighting Sparks Panic in Sundargarh Villages

Bhubaneswar: Panic has gripped residents of Halma Panchayat under the Lephripara forest range in Sundargarh district after pug marks of a Royal Bengal Tiger were spotted in the Dhangergudi and Kunjunala areas.

Villagers reported seeing the big cat near a paddy field close to the forest and even managed to capture photos, further fueling fears in the region.

The Forest Department has confirmed the tiger’s presence based on pug mark evidence found both in the fields and adjacent forest patches. Officials are closely monitoring the animal’s movement and have issued alerts through loudspeakers, urging residents to remain cautious.

This is not the first time the tiger has made its presence known in the area—similar sightings were reported in 2023, and forest officials believe it is the same tiger that moves along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.

Villagers have been strictly advised to avoid entering the forest, especially during nighttime, as tracking efforts continue. Forest officials have also increased surveillance to ensure both human and wildlife safety.