Forest Department Intensifies Efforts to Capture Leopard in Coimbatore District
The forest department in Coimbatore has escalated its operations to capture a leopard that has been frequenting the foothills of the Kakkurayan hillock near Karamadai. In a strategic move, officials have deployed a cage and multiple camera traps to monitor and eventually secure the elusive big cat.
Leopard's Presence Confirmed After Weeks of Activity
According to forest department authorities, the leopard has established a temporary residence on the hillock over the past couple of weeks. Its presence was initially noted following incidents where it preyed on stray dogs in Onnipalayam village, an area situated at a considerable distance from the primary forest zones.
The situation gained public attention when videos depicting the leopard roaming freely on the hillock began circulating widely. Promptly responding to these reports, personnel from the Karamadai forest range conducted an on-site inspection and verified the animal's presence. To closely observe its movements, they installed five advanced camera traps in the vicinity.
Challenges in Tracking the Elusive Animal
A senior forest department official disclosed that despite the installation of camera traps, the leopard's movements have not been successfully recorded by these devices. In an attempt to locate the animal, officials even utilized drone technology, but this effort also failed to capture any visual evidence.
Interestingly, both local residents and forest department staff have managed to document the leopard's activities using their mobile phones. This has led officials to speculate that the animal might be particularly shy, possibly seeking refuge within a crevice or hidden spot on the hillock. They maintain that the leopard has been inhabiting the area for approximately two weeks, sustaining itself by hunting stray dogs.
Preventive Measures and Political Intervention
The forest department is actively implementing measures to mitigate potential human-animal conflicts. Residents of Onnipalayam village have received comprehensive instructions regarding essential dos and don'ts to ensure their safety during this period.
Meanwhile, former BJP state president K Annamalai has publicly urged the forest department to expedite the capture of the leopard and guarantee the security of Onnipalayam's inhabitants. In a post on social media platform X, Annamalai highlighted that the leopard was initially spotted on the hillock twenty days ago, yet remains at large. He emphasized that this prolonged situation has instilled significant fear and anxiety among the local community, calling for immediate and effective action to resolve the issue.
