Wildlife / Jackal Goes on Biting Spree in Odisha's Jajpur District; 13 Injured

Jajpur Road, Sep 29: A jackal went on a biting spree in Odisha's Jajpur district, injuring 13 people, including a child and eight women, after entering Tarakote village under the Jajpur Road Forest Range, a source said on Tuesday.

All the injured were admitted to the Korei Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment, according to medical authorities.

Among the 13 injured are one child, eight women and four men.

Jackal Attacks Villagers At Night
According to the source, the incident occurred at around 10 pm on Monday when the jackal entered Tarakote village under Korei block.

The animal first attacked a child, leaving the youngster injured. It subsequently bit 12 other people in the locality.

With several people injured, local residents immediately helped shift them to the Korei CHC for treatment.

Forest Team Launches Search
After receiving information about the attacks, a team from the Jajpur Road Forest Range reached Tarakote and alerted villagers about the animal.

The forest team launched efforts to locate and capture the jackal.

Also Read: Royal Bengal Tiger Walks into Village House In Odisha's Karanjia; Rescued Later by Forest Dept

Meanwhile, villagers kept vigil in the area, carrying sticks and other wooden implements as a precaution.

However, the animal could not be traced during the night due to darkness.

Residents have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution until the jackal is located. The search operation is underway.

It can be mentioned here that the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) is highly common throughout Odisha, thriving in scrub forests, grasslands, and village outskirts. Locally called 'Bilua', these adaptable, nocturnal scavengers live in pairs or small family packs, feeding on small prey, fruits, and agricultural waste.