Mangaluru: Fear has gripped residents of Niddel Kody and surrounding areas in Permude after a leopard reportedly carried away a dog from the verandah of a house on Sunday night. The Forest Department has now placed a cage near the affected residence in an effort to capture the animal and prevent further incidents.
Cage placed near house
The Forest Department installed the cage near the house on Tuesday after receiving information about the leopard’s movement in the locality. Officials are taking steps to monitor the area and trap the animal before it poses a greater threat to residents.
The cage has been positioned close to the residence of G K Nonaiah Poojary at Niddel Kody, within the limits of Permude gram panchayat. Forest Department personnel have also advised the family to use a live animal as bait during the night.
According to the family, officials instructed them to place either a dog or chicken inside the cage to attract the leopard. The move is intended to increase the chances of the animal entering the cage when it returns to the area in search of prey.
Leopard caught on CCTV
The leopard was reportedly spotted at Nonaiah Poojary’s residence on the night of August 9. According to the family, the animal approached the house and carried away a dog that was sitting on the verandah.
The incident was captured on the house’s CCTV camera, providing visual evidence of the leopard’s presence in the residential area. The footage has added to concerns among residents, who fear that the animal could return to the locality.
The incident occurred at night, when leopards are generally more active. The presence of a leopard so close to a residential building has raised concerns, particularly among families living in areas adjoining vegetation and open spaces.
Residents remain concerned
The leopard’s reported movement has caused anxiety among people living in Permude and nearby areas of Bajpe. Residents are concerned about the safety of domestic animals as well as people who may encounter the animal, particularly during night-time hours.
The loss of the dog has also heightened fears that the leopard could continue searching for easy prey in residential areas. Domestic animals kept outside houses may be particularly vulnerable if the animal remains in the vicinity.
With the cage now installed, residents are hoping that the Forest Department will be able to capture the leopard soon. Officials are expected to keep watch on the area and respond to further reports of sightings or movement.
Residents advised to remain alert
The reported incident has highlighted the need for residents in the affected areas to exercise caution, especially after dark. People are likely to be more vulnerable to encounters if they move through isolated areas or approach vegetation where the leopard may be hiding.
Residents may also need to avoid leaving pets outside unattended at night while the animal remains at large. Any further sighting should be reported to the Forest Department rather than residents attempting to approach or chase the animal themselves.
The cage placed at Niddel Kody is expected to remain under observation as the department attempts to determine whether the leopard returns to the area.
For residents of Permude and surrounding parts of Bajpe, the immediate priority remains ensuring safety until the animal is captured or moves away from the locality. The CCTV footage of the August 9 incident and the department’s decision to install a cage indicate that authorities are treating the reported leopard movement seriously.