Paw prints, cattle kills spark big cat fear in Bundu

Ranchi: The discovery of tiger-like pawprints and two recent cattle kills near Bundu has raised an alarm among residents, with forest officials stepping up surveillance in the area. The big cat is believed to have entered from the Khunti side with its first suspected activity reported in Namkum, where a cattle was found killed four days ago. The second incident of a cattle kill was reported on Monday in Huanghatu village under Bundu subdivision.

During the inspection of the latest kill site, officials recovered key evidence, including hair strands and a fragment of a claw, from the carcass. The samples have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for a definitive forensic analysis.

While the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Ranchi, Srikant Verma, responded cautiously, saying it was still unclear whether the animal was a leopard or a tiger, senior officials from the Wildlife Division hold the view that it was a tiger.

"As per the killing patterns, carcass condition, and other signs at the site, it is more likely that a tiger is on the prowl. However, we are awaiting forensic confirmation from the Wildlife Institute," said S R Natesh, the chief conservator of forests (CCF), wildlife.

Despite the uncertainty, field experts highlighted that experienced trackers could often identify the species based on direct signs. "In most cases, you can tell with 90% accuracy whether it's a tiger or leopard from pawprints alone. The paw size, depth, gait and stride offer critical clues," Natesh added.

DFO Verma said, "Tigers usually leave their kill in open areas and make deeper territorial claw marks on trees, while leopards often drag prey into cover or trees."

Meanwhile, the lack of trap cameras in territorial forests posed a challenge for the foresters. "These areas aren't covered by trap camera setups, so we rely on field signs and local inputs. Patrols have been intensified and villagers are being cautioned to avoid venturing out during early mornings and evenings," Verma added.