Black panther with cub roaming central Odisha forest fuels excitement

THE sighting of a melanistic leopard carrying its cub in its mouth in the forests of Odisha's central region has brought joy to wildlife enthusiasts across the country.

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Though this is not the first time black panthers have been detected in Odisha's forests, but a melanistic big cat seen with its cub was definitely a first instance.

What is even more interesting is that at least five black panthers have been sighted in the camera traps in the central Odisha landscape, sources in the wildlife wing of the Forest department said.

Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (wildlife) said one of the elusive black cats was recently caught on camera and the forest department has been taking all steps to protect their habitat.