Mangaluru: A youth reportedly prevented a leopard from attacking his calf at Kuttikala in Kilenjaru village near Kuppepadavu on the outskirts of Mangaluru.
Mohan Kumar, a resident of Kuttikala, had tied his calf in a hilly area near his house for grazing on Thursday morning. When he went to bring the animal back home in the afternoon, he was startled to find a leopard sitting close to the calf.
The leopard was reportedly waiting for an opportunity to attack the animal.
Leopard spotted near calf
Mohan Kumar noticed the leopard from a distance of around 10 metres. Realising that the calf was in immediate danger, he reportedly threw stones at the animal and shouted at it.
The sudden confrontation forced the leopard to move away from the spot and flee into the surrounding area.
Mohan Kumar then approached the location after the leopard had left and safely brought the calf back home.
The incident has caused concern among residents of Kuttikala and surrounding areas, particularly those living close to hilly and forested stretches where wild animals can move in search of food.
Forest officials inspect area
The Forest Department was immediately informed about the leopard sighting.
Forest officials visited the location and inspected the area following the incident. They reportedly informed local residents that a cage would be installed on Thursday in an effort to capture the leopard.
The presence of the leopard close to a residential area has raised concerns among people in Kuttikala and nearby localities. Residents have been urged to remain cautious, particularly while venturing into isolated or hilly areas.
The incident also highlights the potential risks faced by residents who keep livestock in areas close to forest and plantation stretches.
Residents seek streetlight repairs
Mohan Kumar has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to capture the leopard and prevent further incidents.
He has also sought repairs to damaged streetlights in the area, saying poor lighting has added to residents’ concerns.
According to Kumar, residents had already approached the gram panchayat and requested repairs to the streetlights, but the damaged lights had not been restored.
Residents believe adequate lighting would improve visibility and provide a greater sense of safety, particularly during the evening and early morning hours when movement of wild animals may be difficult to detect.
Concern over leopard movement
The latest incident has renewed concerns among residents about leopard movement around Kilenjaru and Kuppepadavu.
While the leopard fled after Kumar intervened, residents remain concerned about the safety of livestock and people living near the hilly areas. The proposed installation of a cage is expected to help the Forest Department monitor the animal and take further action based on its movement.
Officials are expected to assess the area and determine appropriate measures to prevent further encounters between the leopard and residents.
For Kumar, the immediate priority was protecting his calf, which he managed to bring home safely after confronting the leopard. Residents are now awaiting further action from the Forest Department and the local gram panchayat on both the leopard issue and the damaged streetlights.