Tiger Scare In Odisha's Khordha After Viral Video; Forest Officials Yet To Confirm Big Cat Sighting
The video was reportedly recorded near a bamboo grove along the Kansari River, close to Kumbhirapada village under the Balugaon Wildlife Division: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: A viral video purportedly showing a tigress with two cubs has triggered panic among residents of villages near Balugaon in Odisha's Khordha district, prompting an investigation by the forest department. Authorities, however, have said there is no confirmation yet that the animal captured in the footage is a tiger.
The video was reportedly recorded near a bamboo grove along the Kansari River, close to Kumbhirapada village under the Balugaon Wildlife Division. Soon after the clip began circulating on social media, villagers claimed they had seen a tigress moving through the area with two cubs, fuelling fears among local residents.
Forest officials, however, said the identity of the animal remains unverified. They noted that no pugmarks, scat, or any other physical evidence indicating the presence of a tiger has been found during the initial inspection. Officials also said the animal seen in the video could possibly be a fishing cat or another wild feline, though this has not yet been established.
Teams from the Chilika Wildlife Division and the local forest range rushed to the site after the video surfaced and carried out a ground verification.
“We visited the location after receiving the video to verify whether the animal was indeed a tiger. As of now, we have not found any evidence to confirm its presence. However, local residents have claimed they saw a tigress along with two cubs,” said Chilika Wildlife Division Ranger Rashmita Jena.
The forest department has stepped up surveillance in and around the area and is continuing its investigation. Officials have appealed to residents to remain vigilant, avoid venturing into forested patches alone, and immediately inform the forest department of any fresh sightings or evidence that could help establish the identity of the animal.
The inquiry was ongoing, and officials said a definitive conclusion would only be drawn after corroborating the video with field evidence.