A wave of panic swept through the residents of Aluva Thuruth in Kochi on Friday following reports of a potential leopard sighting in the area. However, after a swift investigation, officials from the Malayattoor forest division ruled out the presence of a leopard, attributing the scare to a fully grown wild cat.
Investigation Findings
Inspectors discovered unusual pugmarks in the vicinity, but a thorough analysis confirmed they did not match those of a large predator. A senior official stated, “We completely rule out the possibility of a leopard or tiger straying into this region. The nearest forest area is Malayattoor and Athirappilly, located 21 to 41km away, making it highly improbable for a leopard to wander this far into a populated zone. The tracks appear to be those of a large wild cat, a species known to inhabit isolated, bushy areas. Furthermore, residents only caught a glimpse of the animal from a distance, leading to hasty assumptions.”
Wildlife in the Area
While leopards are absent, the thick brush in the area is known to harbor jackals, the official added. Despite official reassurances, apprehension remains high among Thuruth residents.
Social Media Fueling Anxiety
The anxiety has been fueled by a low-quality video clip circulating on social media. Former councillor Seby Bastian said, “A video of an animal, which appears to be a leopard shot from a considerable distance, is doing the rounds, keeping the local community on edge.”
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