The reported sighting of a Bengal tiger at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora, located at an altitude of around 8,000 feet, has led the Forest Department to increase surveillance. Officials have also issued safety advisories for tourists and local residents.
A video claiming to show a tiger moving inside the sanctuary has been widely shared on social media. The Forest Department has confirmed that a tiger is present in the sanctuary and has increased monitoring to track its movements.
After the sighting, forest officials placed camera traps at several key points across the sanctuary. These cameras will help record images and videos of the animal and establish where it is moving.
A Quick Response Team (QRT) has also been put on alert. The team will respond if any emergency arises because of the tiger's movement.
DFO Civil Soyam Forest Division Pradeep Dhaulkhandi said officials are keeping a close watch on the animal. The department is also collecting information about its movements. He said tigers usually cover large areas and can travel long distances while looking for food or moving through their territory. A tiger can generally cover a range of around 1,000 to 1,500 square kilometres, he said. Therefore, its presence in Binsar could simply be part of its normal territorial movement.
The Forest Department has also increased patrolling inside the sanctuary and in surrounding areas following the reported sighting.
Officials said camera-trap recordings are being checked regularly. The footage will help determine whether the tiger is still in the area or has moved to another location.
Forest officials have advised villagers and tourists to remain careful while visiting areas where tiger movement has been reported. People have been asked not to enter isolated areas alone, especially in the early morning or after dark. Tourists have also been advised to move around in groups.
The department said people living in and around the sanctuary are familiar with sharing the area with wildlife. However, tourists and visitors need to be more careful as they may not know the terrain or understand animal movement patterns.
Officials are gathering photographs and videos to verify the sighting further. The material recorded through camera traps will be shared with specialised agencies, including Corbett Tiger Reserve and relevant institutions in Dehradun, for scientific verification and further study.
Officials said that, for now, the video circulating on social media is the main evidence available. More information is being collected to confirm the tiger's exact location and movements.
The Forest Department said there is no immediate reason for panic. Binsar is a protected wildlife area, and the presence of wild animals is a natural part of its ecosystem. However, the sighting has led to greater vigilance because the sanctuary is close to tourist spots and inhabited areas.
Forest teams are continuing patrols and checking camera-trap footage to track the tiger and protect both people and wildlife in the area.
The department has asked tourists and local residents to follow all safety instructions issued by forest officials. They have been advised to avoid moving alone in isolated areas and immediately alert authorities if they see the tiger or find fresh signs of its presence.
The sighting has also drawn attention to the movement of large carnivores in the higher-altitude forests of Kumaon. Officials will continue monitoring the area before reaching any further conclusions about the tiger's presence and movement.
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