Manipal: Leopard remains elusive, frequent sightings cause panic

Team Udayavani, Jul 31, 2024, 8:44 AM IST

Traps being laid for catching the elusive leopard

Manipal: A leopard has been roaming around the Manipal area for a week, causing panic among residents. The public has urged the forest department to swiftly track and capture the leopard.

Last Friday night, the leopard was spotted in a house compound in Perampalli. On Monday late night, the leopard was seen in Ananta Nagar, Syndicate Circle, and End Point areas, further alarming the locals.

Despite earlier efforts by the forest department in Perampalli, the leopard remains elusive. Recent sightings in Ananta Nagar suggest either the same leopard or the presence of 2-3 leopards in the vicinity.

Residents have reported damage to a parked car, believed to be caused by the leopard. Paw prints found in the area have substantiated these claims.

At End Point, a security guard reported a leopard sighting to senior officials, who then informed the forest department. Deputy Range Forest Officer Suresh Ganiga visited the area on Tuesday and placed a trap. MAHE Estate Officer Balakrishna Prabhu and Security Officer Satish were present during the visit.

Fear of Nighttime Movements: The leopard’s sightings around Manipal’s main roads have created a situation where people are afraid to move around at night, including hotel workers and night-shift employees.

Leopard Preying on Dogs: Questions have arisen about why leopards are venturing into urban areas. Forest officials attribute this to a lack of food in small forests, leading leopards to search for easy prey like chickens and dogs. The stray dog population in Manipal, especially around End Point, has become a significant food source for leopards, highlighting the need for municipal control of stray dogs.

Workers Shocked by Leopard Sighting: On Monday night, hotel workers near Ananta Nagar saw the leopard while returning to their rooms after work. They reported the sighting, and the leopard disappeared into the bushes soon after.

Concerns Among Joggers at Mannapalla: The overgrown vegetation around Mannapalla Lake has raised concerns about leopards hiding in the area. Regular visitors, including the elderly and children, have become wary of visiting, prompting locals to demand immediate security measures from the district administration.

Night Patrol Needed: As leopard sightings increase, the public has urged the forest department to take necessary actions, including setting traps in wooded areas of Manipal.

“The department has devised a comprehensive plan to capture the leopard seen in Manipal. There is no need for public concern. Officials have already surveyed the sighting areas. People should inform the forest department immediately if they spot the leopard. A trap has been set near End Point, and night patrols will be conducted around Manipal. In case of sightings, contact RFO (9900816131), DRFO (9449103163), or Udupi RFO Office (0820-2523081).” – Varijakshi, RFO, Forest Department, Udupi.