A tiger was spotted sitting beside a road in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal on Thursday night, triggering concern among residents and commuters.
The big cat was seen on the stretch connecting Amarnath Road to Jagran Lakecity. A Dial-112 emergency response team from Kolar police station reportedly witnessed the tiger and recorded a video of the encounter.
The 16-second video shows the tiger sitting calmly behind a roadside fence, drawing attention to the presence of wildlife close to human settlements.
Tiger Movement Reported in Known Corridor
According to local reports, the sighting occurred in an area known for frequent tiger movement. Forest stretches around Kaliyasot Dam, Chandanpura and Kerwa are recognised habitats where several tigers have previously been spotted.
The presence of big cats in these forest areas has resulted in occasional encounters near roads and residential neighbourhoods.
Dial-112 Team Records Encounter
Members of the Kolar police Dial-112 team reportedly noticed the tiger while passing through the area during their duty. They captured the animal on camera, and the footage subsequently drew attention.
The sighting has once again highlighted the proximity of wildlife habitats to expanding urban settlements in Bhopal.
Forest Department Issues Safety Advisory
The Forest Department has alerted people travelling along the affected stretch and advised commuters to remain cautious.
Residents have been urged not to approach the animal, attempt to photograph it from close range or disturb its movement. People should avoid stopping vehicles unnecessarily in areas where tiger activity has been reported.
Wildlife Movement Raises Safety Concerns
The latest sighting has renewed concerns about human-wildlife interactions in Bhopal, where expanding urban areas share boundaries with forest corridors. Authorities are monitoring the situation, while commuters have been advised to follow official instructions and exercise caution, particularly during night hours.
The Forest Department's response will be crucial in ensuring public safety while allowing the tiger to move safely through its natural habitat.