Rare Civet Cat Sparks Panic After Wandering Into Residential Area in Balurghat

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

Panic gripped a residential neighbourhood in Balurghat after a rare wild animal, locally known as Bham Beral and commonly called a civet cat in English, strayed into a populated area.

According to Forest Department sources, the incident occurred in Ward No. 13 of the Chakbhrigu area. A local resident initially mistook the animal for a jackal and rescued it after finding it curled up due to the severe winter cold. However, residents realised that the animal was not a jackal but a different species of wild mammal.

When locals attempted to release the animal back into a natural setting, it reportedly bit them several times. One of the injured residents was taken to a hospital, where precautionary vaccinations were administered.

Following the incident, the Forest Department and a wildlife rescue organisation were informed. Officials and rescue team members swiftly arrived at the spot and safely rescued the civet cat, later transferring it to the Balurghat Forest Department office.

Forest officials confirmed that the animal is currently in good health and will soon be released into its natural habitat. They believe the civet cat may have entered the residential area while fleeing from other wild animals.

The sudden appearance of the rare wildlife species caused anxiety among local residents, and a crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the animal. After the successful rescue, the situation in the area has returned to normal.