Jharsuguda, Aug 18: Residents of Jharsuguda district in Odisha are gripped by fear following confirmed sightings of a Royal Bengal tiger in the region.

According to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), paw prints found in multiple locations suggest the presence of a full-grown tiger, marking its first known entry into the district.

The tiger’s footprints have been spotted near the border areas of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts, specifically in villages like Bhukulapada, Ganjudihi, Karlakhman, and Jammal. The discovery has triggered panic among locals, who are now avoiding venturing out alone, especially during early morning and evening hours.

To monitor the tiger’s movements, the Forest Department has deployed 20 trap cameras across strategic locations. Surveillance teams are actively tracking its activity to ensure public safety and gather data on its behaviour.

DFO officials have issued advisories urging villagers to remain indoors during vulnerable hours and avoid isolated forest paths.

This rare sighting has raised both concern and curiosity, as Jharsuguda has never previously recorded the presence of a Royal Bengal tiger. Wildlife experts believe the tiger may have migrated from nearby forest zones in search of territory or prey.

While the Forest Department is taking all necessary precautions, the incident underscores the growing need for human-wildlife conflict management strategies, especially in regions bordering dense forest areas.

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