Puttur: A leopard was reportedly spotted near Puttur’s Darbe in 34 Nekkilady on September 13 after it allegedly hunted a dog and dragged the animal towards a nearby forest, causing concern among local residents.

According to eyewitnesses, the leopard was seen carrying the dog while several other dogs barked and chased after the wild animal. The incident reportedly occurred in an area surrounded by social forestry, raising concerns about the movement of wildlife closer to residential areas.

Leopard allegedly seen carrying dog

Darbe resident Nagaraj is said to have witnessed the leopard carrying and dragging the dog towards the forest.

According to the account, around four to five other dogs began barking and chasing the leopard as it moved away with the animal. The leopard is believed to have headed towards the Cheemullu and Anodagundi areas after the incident.

The reported sighting has caused anxiety among residents, particularly those living close to forested areas and places where wildlife can move without being easily detected.

Residents have been urged to remain cautious, especially during early morning and evening hours when wild animals may be more active.

Footprints raise suspicion of leopard movement

The latest sighting comes about a week after footprints believed to belong to a wild animal were found near the car parking area of the residence of Hamid Paraneeru in the Seema Compound area of 34 Nekkilady village.

The footprints reportedly raised suspicion among local residents that a leopard could be moving through the area.

A CCTV camera had been installed at the location, but the animal was not captured on camera. However, residents reportedly heard a sound resembling the growl of a leopard, adding to their suspicion that the animal may have been in the vicinity.

The footprints and the reported sound had already caused concern among residents before the latest incident involving the dog.

Social forestry area raises concern

The area around Darbe and 34 Nekkilady includes social forestry, providing potential cover for wild animals moving through the locality.

Residents also recalled that two elephants had reportedly entered the area around two years ago, indicating that wildlife movement near human habitation has occurred previously.

The latest leopard sighting has renewed concerns among residents about the possibility of wild animals entering residential areas in search of food or moving between forested patches.

The leopard is believed to have moved towards Cheemullu and Anodagundi after taking the dog, although its subsequent movements have not been confirmed.

Residents remain anxious

The reported leopard presence has created fear among people living in and around Darbe and 34 Nekkilady.

The incident has prompted residents to remain alert, particularly because the animal was reportedly seen close to inhabited areas and had hunted a domestic dog.

Residents are also concerned that the leopard could return to the locality in search of food, especially if other domestic animals are present in the vicinity.

The earlier discovery of suspected wild animal footprints and the reported growl have added to the concerns.

Need for caution and monitoring

The reported sightings underline the need for residents to exercise caution in areas bordering forests and social forestry plantations. People are likely to remain particularly vigilant until the animal’s movements are ascertained.

Residents have also been advised to avoid approaching or attempting to track a leopard if it is spotted. Any confirmed sighting should instead be reported to the concerned forest authorities so that appropriate measures can be taken.

With the latest report of a leopard hunting a dog and moving towards Cheemullu and Anodagundi, residents of the surrounding areas are keeping a close watch for further signs of wildlife movement.