Fishing cat mistaken for tiger sparks panic in Gazipur village

Reports of a "tiger" roaming a residential area in Mekarpara village of Gazipur's Sreepur upazila sparked concern among residents after warning posts spread widely on social media. The forest department, however, later clarified that the animal was a fishing cat, not a tiger.

Speaking to The Daily Star this morning, Md Tarek Rahman, acting officer of Gazipur Safari Park and assistant conservator of forests, said video footage indicates the animal is a fishing cat.

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He said fishing cats have long inhabited the Bhawal forest and occasionally wander into nearby villages in search of food.

According to local sources, rumours of a tiger-like animal began circulating on Thursday afternoon. As night fell, several Facebook users shared posts claiming a tiger had been spotted, fuelling public concern.

Habibur Rahman, a resident of Mekarpara, said he had noticed the animal at night over the past few days, most recently near a fish farm. Owing to its relatively large size and spotted coat, he initially thought it was a tiger.

Tarek Rahman said fishing cats are generally not dangerous to humans and urged residents not to panic or disturb the animal.

He requested that people inform the forest department if it is spotted again, adding that it should remain in its natural habitat rather than be taken to Gazipur Safari Park.