A leopard was spotted in a human-inhabited area under the Padam forest limits in Konni, Pathanamthitta district, on Tuesday. The sighting occurred when a survey team encountered the animal and subsequently discovered the carcass of a cow that had been killed by the leopard.
Narrow Escape for Survey Team
The survey team had a narrow escape from the big cat and promptly reported the incident at the local forest station. According to forest officials, approximately four leopards are currently present in the area. The presence of quarries and rubber plantations, most of which are not properly maintained, provides an ideal habitat for these leopards.
Increased Precautions
Following the sighting, forest officials have placed additional cages in the region to capture the leopards and prevent further conflicts. A forest official stated that more cages are being deployed to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
This incident highlights the growing human-animal conflict in areas where forest boundaries overlap with human settlements. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the forest department immediately.
