Malkangiri on high alert as tiger enters Odisha from Andhra Pradesh
A four-year-old Royal Bengal Tiger has been spotted roaming the Motu forest range in Malkangiri district.
A Royal Bengal Tiger from Andhra Pradesh's Papikonda National Park has entered the Motu forest range in Odisha's Malkangiri district, according to reports by Odisha Bytes and Sambad English. Forest officials on Monday stated that the tiger has crossed the inter-state border, causing panic among local residents.
The tiger is a four-year-old animal fitted with a radio collar. Authorities are monitoring its movement using satellite and Very High Frequency (VHF) tracking systems, with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department sharing real-time data with Odisha officials.
Malkangiri Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sai Kiran DN told reporters that the Malkangiri forest division has increased surveillance and started an extensive search operation along the border. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to the area to handle any emergencies.
Forest officials are using public address systems to alert villagers to remain in their homes and avoid entering the jungle unnecessarily. Residents living near the inter-state border have been advised to report any sightings or movement of the tiger to the department immediately.
The forest department has urged the public to cooperate with officials and not to harm the animal.