Dibrugarh: A reported sighting of a large carnivore, suspected to be a tiger, along the Longding-Bimlapur Road between Longding town and Longsom village in Arunachal Pradesh, has prompted the forest department to issue a public advisory.According to the advisory issued on August 25 by Longding range forest officer Dani Taker, a verbal report of the suspected sighting was received around 7.15pm on August 24. Forest personnel immediately visited the area for verification.Officials observed signs indicative of a large cat, but the department said the animal could not be confirmed as a tiger because dry ground conditions had left insufficient clear and conclusive evidence.The department urged residents, particularly those living near forest areas, to exercise “utmost caution and vigilance”. People were advised to avoid unnecessary movement through forests and dense vegetation, especially during the early morning, evening and night, and not to travel alone in isolated areas.Residents were also cautioned against approaching, chasing, provoking or surrounding wild animals, or attempting to photograph or record them. In case of an encounter, people should maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden movements and move towards a safe location without confronting the animal.“Any fresh sighting, pugmark, livestock predation, scratch marks or other suspected signs of a large carnivore should be immediately reported,” the advisory said.The Forest Department appealed to residents not to circulate unverified information, rumours or misleading photographs and videos on social media. Parents and livestock owners were asked to ensure that children, elderly persons and animals do not venture unattended near forest areas.Further advisories will be issued if reliable field evidence establishes the animal’s identity and movement.
