Leopard sighting near houses triggers panic in Karnataka village

Chikkamagaluru: A leopard was spotted moving freely through Huligere village in the Kadur taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, triggering fear among residents. The animal’s movements were captured on mobile phone cameras by villagers.

In one of the photographs, the leopard was seen passing very close to an elderly woman who was standing in the courtyard of her house. Another video showed the animal resting on the compound wall of a house.

The repeated sightings have raised concern among villagers, particularly daily-wage workers, two-wheeler riders and schoolchildren who have to move through the area. Residents have urged the Forest Department to capture the leopard at the earliest and relocate it to a safe habitat.

Officials have also advised villagers to avoid unnecessary movement in areas where the leopard has been spotted and remain cautious until the animal is traced.

Forest dept personnel arrive, clash with villagers

Forest Department personnel reached the village after receiving information about the leopard’s presence and began efforts to locate and capture it.

However, the operation soon led to a confrontation between villagers and forest staff. Some residents alleged that certain Forest Department personnel had arrived at the spot after consuming alcohol while attempting to capture the leopard.

The allegation led to a heated exchange between the villagers and forest officials. Residents demanded that trained personnel be deployed and that the operation be conducted carefully to prevent any danger to people in the village.

With the leopard continuing to remain in the vicinity, villagers have sought immediate action from the authorities to prevent a possible human-animal conflict.