Mangaluru: A leopard was spotted near Maradka Ballana in Kinnigoli Town Panchayat limits on Thursday, October 1, sparking fresh concern among residents in the area.
The leopard was captured on a CCTV camera installed at the residence of Maradka Ballana resident Santosh Saldanha. The footage reportedly shows the animal walking past the gate of the house, providing a fresh indication that it continues to move through the locality.
Leopard sighting raises fresh concern
The latest CCTV footage has heightened anxiety among residents who have been concerned about the presence of the leopard in and around residential areas.
The animal was seen moving close to a house at Maradka Ballana, bringing the reported leopard activity nearer to inhabited areas. Residents are now apprehensive about the animal’s movements, particularly because of the possibility of further encounters with people or domestic animals.
The CCTV visuals have also provided a record of the leopard’s movement in the locality after it had not been seen for several days.
Sighting follows dog attack at Jalligudde
The latest sighting comes less than a week after a leopard reportedly attacked a dog near Southern Estate at Jalligudde, also within Kinnigoli Town Panchayat limits.
The incident took place last Friday and had already raised concerns among people living in the area. Following the attack, the leopard was not spotted again for several days, leading residents to believe that it might have moved away from the locality.
However, the appearance of the animal at Maradka Ballana has renewed concerns, as the area is located only a short distance from Jalligudde.
The two reported sightings have increased apprehension among residents about the possibility that the leopard is continuing to move through areas close to human habitation.
Residents remain alert
The presence of a leopard near residential properties has prompted residents to remain cautious, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when movement of wildlife around human settlements can become a concern.
The latest CCTV footage has also enabled residents to establish that the animal has not completely disappeared from the area following the reported dog attack.
People in the locality are concerned about the safety of children, senior citizens and domestic animals if the leopard continues to move close to houses.
Residents are expected to remain vigilant and report any further sightings to the concerned authorities so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Movement near residential areas a concern
Leopards are capable of moving through relatively small stretches of vegetation and can remain concealed for extended periods, making it difficult to determine their exact location based solely on individual sightings.
In the Kinnigoli area, the reported movement between Jalligudde and Maradka Ballana has consequently become a matter of concern for local residents.
The latest CCTV recording provides an important indication of the animal’s continued presence, while further sightings or evidence would be required to establish the extent of its movement in the locality.
For now, residents remain watchful following the fresh sighting and are concerned about the possibility of the leopard appearing again near homes.