Is There a Tiger on the Loose? Sundargarh Officials Take Action Amid Local Sightings

In Sundargarh, Odisha, local residents have reported sightings of a tiger, prompting forest officials to take action. Trap cameras have been installed in the area to monitor the situation, while pugmarks are being analyzed to determine the animal's identity. Despite the concerns, officials have yet to confirm the presence of a tiger. An awareness campaign is underway to ensure the safety of the community. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 13, 2025, 17:50 IST

Sundargarh Forest Officials Respond to Tiger Sightings

Sundargarh: Officials in Odisha have set up trap cameras in a forested region of Sundargarh district following reports from residents about a potential tiger sighting.

Local inhabitants indicated that they had seen a large feline in the Lephripada forest area.

Last Monday, pugmarks were discovered near the Ujalpur forest range, prompting the authorities to install cameras at various strategic points to monitor the situation.

Sundargarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Khushwant Singh stated, "As of now, we have not visually confirmed the presence of the big cat nor have we captured it on our trap cameras. We have added more cameras and deployed a rapid response team to the vicinity."

The pugmarks are currently under analysis to ascertain whether they belong to a tiger or a leopard.

Singh further noted, "We have yet to verify the existence of a tiger in the Lephripada region."

He also mentioned that some individuals were sharing an old photograph from an incident that occurred four to five years ago in Haridwar.

To ensure community safety, forest officials have initiated an awareness campaign among the locals.