After the failure of Forest Department personnel and a team from the Nadankanan zoo in capturing or even tracing the killer animals which are preying on domestic sheep in Niali, a 20-member special team from the Similpal National Park (SNP) in Mayurbhanj district arrived in the area on Tuesday to catch the predators.
At least 200 sheep in over half-a-dozen villages of Niali block in Cuttack district have been killed by unknown wild animals during the past two months. In the absence of any official statements in initial days, rumourmongers took to social media spreading incredible stories to panic the people. The agitated locals also staged protests demanding compensation for the loss of their livestock.
However, following orders from Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray, the team from Similipal arrived. Sources said the special team would use drone cameras to trace and track the killer animals, which are believed to be either hyenas or wolves coming from the nearby forests.
We will first trace the hideouts of the killer animals using drone cameras and track their movements through the CCTV cameras installed at several places,” said Similipal DFO SK Swain, adding that the special team is equipped with all facilities, including tranquiliser guns to sedate the wild animals. He is hopeful that his team would catch the killer animals soon.
Meanwhile, the district administration authorities along with Forest Department personnel have launched an awareness drive in the area urging people not to believe the rumours spread over the deaths of sheep. Through public address system, leaflets and posters, the authorities are also asking the people to cooperate with the forest personnel.