Panic has gripped villages on the outskirts of Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region after signs of a tiger moving close to human settlements emerged. The forest department has swung into action following reports of large cat footprints, heightening concerns about human-wildlife conflict.
Tiger Pugmarks Spark Vigilance in Khandiyapal
On Monday, villagers in the Khandiyapal area of Tokapal block reported discovering large feline footprints near their agricultural fields. A team from the forest department rushed to the spot after locals alerted them about the pugmarks along field boundaries and in soft soil patches.
While officials have maintained a cautious stance, forest department sources unofficially indicated the tracks are "highly likely" to be of a tiger already known to be moving across the Bastar landscape. The department stated a formal confirmation of the species will only come after a detailed examination of the evidence.
It is suspected this could be the same tiger sighted earlier on October 10 in Bacheli's downslope areas, later recorded in the Bhanpuri range, and previously reported from Bijapur forests. The big cat is believed to have skirted the fields near Khandiyapal while moving from Bhanpuri towards Kanger Valley National Park.
In a related incident, officials recently received information about two cows being killed near Kurandi, approximately 10 kilometers from Jagdalpur, with a tiger suspected to be responsible.
Forest Department's Response and Public Advisory
In response to the fresh signs, the forest staff have initiated the installation of additional trap cameras in and around Khandiyapal. This move aims to conclusively establish the animal's identity and meticulously track its movement patterns.
Officials have issued a stern advisory to villagers, urging them to:
- Remain extremely cautious.
- Avoid venturing alone into fields or forested areas during dawn and dusk.
- Immediately report any fresh pugmarks, animal kills, or direct sightings to the authorities.
Leopard Attack Adds to Wildlife Worries in Balodabazar
Even as Bastar remains on edge due to the tiger movement, a separate leopard incident has instilled fear in Balodabazar district. In village Bagar under the Sonakhan range, a leopard killed a deer in the wee hours of Monday, with the attack occurring perilously close to a residential area.
The incident, believed to have taken place after 1 am, happened in a field adjoining local houses. A forest department team, including Assistant Range Officer Astha Yadav and Forest Guard Yudhishthir Dadseyna from the Borasi beat, inspected the site and prepared a panchnama.
With the leopard operating near human habitation, panic has spread through the village. Officials have appealed to residents to stay alert, remain indoors after dark, avoid unnecessary night movement, and refrain from harming any wild animals. Patrolling and monitoring in the area have been intensified.
A Pattern of Big Cat Movement
Forest officials across these locations note that the incidents point towards an increased movement of big cats—both tigers and leopards—through human-dominated landscapes. This trend is likely driven by habitat connectivity and the movement of prey animals.
While the department insists no official conclusion will be drawn on the Khandiyapal pugmarks until reports are analyzed, officers concede that the combination of tiger signs in Bastar and leopard-related incidents in Balodabazar has created a stretched but heightened state of vigilance across the region.
