Bargarh: Panic gripped residents of Sargibahal village under Padmapur sub-division in Bargarh district after a bear was sighted near human habitation, triggering concerns over safety and renewed focus on human-wildlife conflict in the region.
According to local sources, the wild animal was spotted moving close to residential areas, prompting fear among villagers who have since limited outdoor activities, especially during early morning and evening hours. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.
Residents have attributed the incident to shrinking forest cover, which is forcing wild animals to stray into human settlements in search of food and shelter. The sighting has intensified anxiety among locals, particularly farmers and daily wage earners who depend on forest fringes for their livelihood.
Villagers have urged the Forest Department to intervene immediately by tracking the animal and ensuring its safe relocation to the forest habitat to prevent any untoward incident.
Forest officials are yet to issue an official statement on the sighting.
