A leopard that had posed a grave threat to humans and livestock in Tarikere taluk was shot dead by a special Forest Department team near Bhairapura village on Saturday. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bhadravathi Division, confirmed the development in an official press release, stating that the operation was launched after the animal displayed dangerously aggressive behaviour over several days.
Leopard linked to killing of five-year-old girl
According to the Forest Department, the leopard was responsible for the death of a five-year-old girl who lived in a shed near a stone quarry close to the forests of Shivapura village in the Tarikere range. The incident had sparked fear across neighbouring villages, prompting urgent appeals for intervention.
Officials reported that the leopard had been roaming extensively across forests, hills, villages and estates in and around Nandi, Kenchapura, Kenchapura Gate and Bhairapura, making its movement unpredictable and increasing the risk of further attacks on villagers and livestock.
Operation launched under special permission
Given the severity of the situation and the risk of further casualties, the Forest Department sought and obtained permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Bengaluru to initiate the capture operation without delay.
A large contingent of experts and support teams was mobilised. Veterinarians from Mangaluru, Bandipur, Bannerghatta and the Tyavarekoppa zoo in Shivamogga were deployed. Three elephants from Sakrebail joined the mission, along with specialised teams including the Leopard Task Force from Mysuru and the Elephant Task Force from Chikkamagaluru.
Officials stated that capturing the leopard alive was the primary objective, but the animal’s unpredictable aggression and continuous movement across thick vegetation created significant challenges.
Confrontation in lantana thicket
During the search operation near Bhairapura village, the team located the leopard entering a dense patch of lantana. The area was surrounded, and a team led by Mangaluru-based veterinarian Dr Yashaswi, his assistant and two armed forest staff entered the thicket to tranquillise the animal.
However, the leopard suddenly charged at the personnel. For the safety of the team, an emergency shot was fired. The leopard fled from the thicket, triggering a further search, and was later found dead at a distance from the encounter site.
The Forest Department has taken custody of the carcass, and post-procedural formalities, including documentation and veterinary examination, are underway.
Community relief and concerns
Villagers expressed relief after learning that the immediate threat had been neutralised. Many had been fearful of moving outdoors, especially during early mornings and late evenings, due to repeated sightings of the leopard across farms, pathways and water sources.
Forest officials stated that such operations are undertaken with utmost caution and only when an animal poses a direct threat to human life. They emphasised that all protocols were followed, and the decision to fire was made solely to protect personnel in imminent danger.
Continued focus on human-wildlife conflict
The Bhadravathi Forest Division reiterated its commitment to monitoring the region for any further signs of wildlife distress or movement. With human-wildlife conflict increasing in several regions bordering dense forests, officials stressed the need for community sensitisation, early reporting of animal movement and strengthened rapid-response teams.
More detailed findings regarding the operation are expected following the completion of the standard inquiry and veterinary assessment.