BARIPADA: Panic gripped residents of Bangiriposi and Badagaon areas in Mayurbhanj district after a sub-adult melanistic tiger was spotted roaming near human habitations over the past week.
The rare sighting, which occurred near the fringe areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), has triggered fear among locals. It started after a video showing the young melanistic tiger prowling through the forest went viral on social media.
Following the sighting, apprehensive villagers have been shutting their doors early and avoiding venturing out after evening to avoid any potential encounters with the big cat.
Deputy director of STR's south wildlife division Samrat Gowda confirmed that the tiger had been roaming in Bangiriposi and Badagaon areas under Baripada Forest Division for the last eight days. “Being a sub-adult, the animal is naturally curious and tends to roam, jump, and explore new areas in search of food,” he said.
Sources said 25 to 30 domestic animals, including goats and cattle, have been killed in the area over a few days, prompting swift action from the forest department. Security personnel have been deployed in the affected villages, and awareness campaigns are being carried out to inform locals about safety measures.
Despite the panic, Gowda termed the sighting a positive development. “It is good news that the tiger has been sighted, which is a sign of healthy wildlife movement in the region,” he said.
However, environmentalists have expressed concerns over the cause of such movements of wild animals. They pointed to poaching and deforestation as key factors that have pushed wild animals, including predators like tigers, out of their natural habitat and into human settlements in search of food.
“The animals will feel safe and be able to find prey within their natural habitat only if the forests are protected. That in turn will help preserve the ecological balance and also encourage tourism,” said an environmentalist.
He requested the forest officials to take immediate steps to conserve forest ecosystems to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.