Fresh pugmarks believed to be those of a tiger have been spotted near Ausa, close to Latur — around 100 km from Bhoom in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. The discovery has prompted speculation among forest officials about whether the tiger that journeyed from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal to Dharashiv and Solapur has now begun its return. While efforts are underway to obtain visual confirmation, officials are confident that the pugmarks are indeed from a tiger, not a leopard.

A forest department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Around 10 days ago, we came across the pugmarks of a big cat in Ausa taluka near Latur. The photographs were sent to experts, who confirmed that the prints belong to an adult tiger, not a leopard. We believe the tiger that was in Bhoom, Dharashiv, has travelled over 100 km and reached Ausa. The department is collecting further evidence of its presence, and camera traps have been installed. However, it’s unclear whether the tiger will remain in the area, move elsewhere, or head back toward Tipeshwar.”