Post News Network
Dabugaon, April 18: People of several villages like Dhamnaguda, Jhariguda, Nagajodi, Charagaon, Tipaguda and Architguda under the block in Nabarangpur district are spending sleepless nights for last three to four days after the movement of a ‘tiger’ was spotted in the area.
According to the locals, several persons of the area had spotted the ‘tiger’ while it was moving in the area. It has created panic among the people and they have stopped coming out of the house in evening.
On being informed, Forest department staff went to the area Saturday and conducted inquiry into the matter. However, they did not find any proof of tiger movement in the area.
Dabugaon forest ranger Dhanurjay Mohapatra said the forest situated in the area is not a suitable habitat for tiger. “This apart, we have never found pug mark of any tiger inside the forest or nearby area,” he added.
He added that the animal spotted by the villagers might be a hyena. “Those persons who had claimed that they had spotted the tiger are also not sure whether it was actually a tiger or some other animal looking like it,” Mohapatra said.
He stated that as part of a precautionary measure, the department has asked the people of these villages not to go to the forest alone. Moreover, the villagers have been asked to remain alert and inform the department if they spotted the animal again at any place.