Bhubaneswar, May 27 -- Panic gripped villagers in the Kaptipada area in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district after a bear was spotted roaming through residential areas.

Residents of Kochiladiha and Bairatpur villages under the Kaptipada forest range are reportedly spending sleepless nights amid growing panic over the repeated movement of the wild animal.

Villagers said people are shutting their doors and remaining indoors after evening. Panic intensified after CCTV footage capturing a bear moving through village areas surfaced, prompting families to stay awake in turns throughout the night.

According to local residents and forest officials, the animal seen roaming in the villages is believed to be the same bear that had earlier strayed into re...