Tiger Scare in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj After Two Bulls Found Dead; Bear Sighting Sparks Panic in Malkangiri
The incident quickly spread anxiety among villagers, many of whom depend on cattle for their livelihood and fear further losses.
Bhubaneswar: Two separate wildlife-related incidents in Odisha on Wednesday triggered panic among residents and highlighted growing concerns over human-animal interactions in forest-fringe areas.
In Mayurbhanj district, fear gripped Tomkashila village under the Dudhiani range of the Karanjia Forest Division after two bulls were found dead in the early hours of the day. The discovery sparked speculation about the possible presence of a tiger or another large predator in the area.
According to local residents, pug marks found near the carcasses indicated that a wild animal may have been responsible for the attack. The incident quickly spread anxiety among villagers, many of whom depend on cattle for their livelihood and fear further losses.
Forest officials, however, urged caution and said the exact cause of the deaths has not yet been established. Karanjia Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) said a detailed field investigation would be conducted to examine pug marks, kill patterns and other evidence before confirming the species involved.
Authorities have advised villagers to remain vigilant and avoid venturing alone into nearby forested areas until the inquiry is completed.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, a bear was spotted roaming near Daiguda village under the Mathili police limits, causing panic among local residents.
The sighting drew large crowds as curious onlookers gathered along the roadside after news of the animal’s presence spread. Forest and police personnel rushed to the spot and launched efforts to prevent the bear from entering populated areas.
During the operation, the bear reportedly attempted to climb onto a police patrol vehicle, throwing challenges to the rescue teams.
Forest officials suspect the animal may have strayed out of its habitat in search of food and water, a phenomenon increasingly reported during the summer months when resources inside forests become scarce.
A specialised forest team was deployed to monitor the situation and ensure the safe rescue and relocation of the bear. Officials appealed to residents to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and cooperate with rescue operations.