Mangaluru: Following reports of a leopard sighting in parts of the city, MLA Vedavyas Kamath convened a meeting with forest department officials to assess the situation and review precautionary measures taken to safeguard residents.
The leopard was reportedly spotted late at night in Kadri Kaibattal and the Cordel area of Shaktinagar. CCTV cameras installed in these residential localities captured visuals of the animal moving through streets and near houses, triggering concern among the public. Forest officials suspect that the leopard seen in both areas could be the same animal.
CCTV footage raises alarm
Residents of Kadri Kaibattal and Shaktinagar woke up to news of the big cat’s presence after CCTV footage began circulating locally. The videos show the leopard calmly walking along roads and passing close to parked vehicles and compound walls.
The sighting has caused anxiety among families, particularly those with children and elderly members. Many residents have been advised to avoid stepping out alone at night and to keep pets indoors as a precaution.
Forest department sources indicated that leopards occasionally stray into human settlements bordering forested patches, especially in search of food such as stray dogs or livestock. However, such sightings within city limits are relatively rare and tend to create heightened public concern.
Cages placed, patrols intensified
In response to the sighting, the forest department has installed cages in strategic locations across the affected areas in an attempt to safely capture the leopard. Bait has reportedly been placed inside the cages to lure the animal.
A team of forest personnel has also been deployed to conduct round-the-clock patrols. Officials are monitoring the movement of the animal through surveillance footage and field inspections.
Authorities believe that the leopard may have already retreated to nearby forested areas. However, as a precautionary measure, surveillance and patrolling are continuing to ensure there is no further threat to residents.
Range Forest Officer Rajesh Baligar, speaking through the MLA, appealed to citizens to remain vigilant. He urged the public to immediately report any sighting of the leopard or other dangerous wild animals to the forest department.
Citizens can contact the department’s toll-free helpline number 1926 to facilitate swift action. Officials emphasised that timely information from the public would help in tracking and safely capturing the animal.
MLA calls for balanced approach
During the review meeting, MLA Vedavyas Kamath highlighted that incidents of wild animals entering human settlements are sensitive and must be handled with care. He noted that such situations often arise when animals venture out in search of food or are displaced from their natural habitats.
He directed forest officials and staff to carry out their responsibilities diligently, ensuring both public safety and humane treatment of the animal. The MLA also stressed the importance of clear communication with residents to prevent panic and the spread of misinformation.
Authorities have advised residents not to attempt to approach, chase or harm the leopard under any circumstances. Instead, they are encouraged to remain indoors during late-night hours, secure garbage bins and avoid leaving food waste exposed, as this may attract wild animals.
As monitoring continues, officials remain hopeful that the leopard will either be safely captured or return to the forest without incident. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to cooperate fully with forest department guidelines to ensure a safe and peaceful resolution.