Royal Bengal Tiger Spotted in Himachal Pradesh Forest

Forest officials in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are on alert following the sighting of a Royal Bengal tiger in Paonta Sahib. A trap camera captured the big cat in the Khara block of the Paonta Sahib forest range. Evidence from pugmarks and claw marks suggests the tiger has been in the vicinity for the past two to three days.

Authorities are exploring the possibility that this tiger is the same one that has been missing from Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand for nearly a year. Khara is situated approximately 80 km from Rajaji National Park, making interstate movement feasible. Forest departments of both states are actively monitoring the tiger's movements, and the number of camera traps has been augmented.

Information has been shared with Rajaji National Park, whose team is expected to visit the location soon. Local Gaddi shepherd communities have been cautioned about the tiger's presence. While locals have reported tiger sightings previously, this is the first instance with digital proof.