PALACODE: Tension is mounting in Valaithottam village near Palacode after a wild leopard entered a private farmland for the third time in two months and preyed on a farmer’s chicken, leaving villagers terrified and desperate for intervention.
The leopard, which has reportedly been spotted several times along the forest fringes near Palacode, had earlier attacked and taken a domestic dog and another chicken. On Saturday, its latest kill once again triggered alarm in the farming community.
What has amplified fears is the recent fatal leopard attack on a child in Valparai. Since then, anxiety has grown in Valaithottam, with villagers afraid to step outside, especially at night. “This is the third time it has hunted in our fields. We don’t even have toilets inside our houses, so we’re scared to go out even for basic needs,” said S Vinayagam, a resident.
Farmer R Perumal added, “Our daily routines have been upended. We stop work early now out of fear. We have submitted two petitions to the forest department demanding the leopard be captured and relocated.”
Responding to the concerns, District Forest Officer K Rajangam said, “Leopards are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. We’ve already requested permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and installed camera traps. Although we haven’t yet captured the animal, a 50-member Rapid Response Team has been deployed and we’re tracking its movements closely. Further action will be taken as per PCCF directions.”