Tiger thrills tourists in Debrigarh, leopard sparks fear in Nuapada

Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Odisha witnessed two contrasting wildlife stories this week, with a majestic tiger thrilling tourists inside Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary while a leopard triggered panic among residents in Nuapada district after venturing into a village and carrying away a pet dog.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargarh district were treated to a rare and exciting sighting on Monday afternoon when a tiger was spotted roaming freely within the tourism zone.

Around 40 tourists travelling in four safari vehicles witnessed the big cat in its natural habitat, making for an unforgettable experience.

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The tiger did not merely make a brief appearance. Later in the day, it reportedly displayed its hunting prowess by preying on a sambar deer within the core area of the sanctuary.

The sight reinforced Debrigarh's growing reputation as one of Odisha's most promising wildlife destinations and highlighted the healthy presence of large predators in the protected ecosystem.

Forest officials have simultaneously stepped up security measures to safeguard the tiger and its habitat. Patrols have been intensified along the sanctuary's western boundary adjoining the Hirakud reservoir.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on poaching activities, illegal traps and other suspicious movements.

The Forest Department has also announced a reward of Rs 1,000 for individuals providing credible information related to wildlife threats, while assuring that the identity of informants will remain confidential.

While Debrigarh celebrated the presence of the tiger, a different scenario unfolded in Nuapada district. Residents of Bhaisadarah village under the Amanara section were left terrified after a leopard reportedly entered a residential area and carried away a dog from the house of local resident Chaman Lal Mirdha.

Meanwhile, reports of livestock deaths near the foothills of Similipal and discussions surrounding tiger movement in Koraput have further highlighted the growing interaction between wildlife and human settlements across Odisha.