Pugmarks spotted near Maram Khullen school
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, July 26 2021:
Pugmarks believed to be of carnivores were found early on Monday morning near John Paul II School, below Maram Khullen in Senapati district.
The suspected wild animal footprints were first spotted by owner of a fish pond constructed below the school near the village.
On being informed, a team of the forest department at Maram along with some local leaders of Maram Khullen inspected the area and found the pugmarks at different places.
The team found footprints near a kitchen garden of beans and towards the road leading to Mao Pungdung.
The wild carnivore (s) was/were believed to have roamed around the area before disappearing into the thick jungle of the village.
Officials from the forest department have reportedly instructed the villagers to stay alert and keep safe their domestic animals for the time being.
No news of attack on domestic animals has been reported till the time of filing this report.
When contacted over the phone, DFO Senapati Forest Division D John Sha said that the pugmarks could have been made by a fully grown big cat from the carnivorous family.
He also said that the department is planning to install camera trap around the place to identify the wild animal and will take advice from the wildlife experts in this regard.