Boudh, Aug 5: Panic has gripped residents of Samakupa village under the Kantamal Forest Range in Odisha's Boudh district after a Tiger was reportedly spotted roaming near the village forest over the past two days.

According to local sources, the Tiger allegedly killed and partially devoured a cow inside the nearby forest. Cattle grazers later discovered the mutilated carcass along with fresh pugmarks believed to belong to the big cat.

The incident was immediately reported to the Forest Department, following which a team of officials visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Preliminary verification confirmed that the pugmarks were those of a leopard, officials said.

In view of the threat, the Forest Department has advised villagers to avoid entering the forest until further notice. Officials are also conducting awareness campaigns in the village, urging residents to remain vigilant and refrain from venturing into forested areas alone.

The presence of the Tiger has created an atmosphere of fear among villagers, who are concerned about the safety of both people and livestock. Forest officials are closely monitoring the animal's movement and have appealed to residents to immediately report any fresh sightings or signs of the leopard.