Forest officials have placed a cage to capture a leopard that has been preying on livestock in Arivoli Nagar near Mettupalayam, Coimbatore district. The action comes after increased leopard sightings in the area over the past few months.
Coimbatore: The Forest Department has intensified efforts to capture a leopard that has been causing concern among residents of Arivoli Nagar near Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district. The big cat has been reportedly preying on livestock in the area, prompting officials to set up a trap to ensure public safety.
Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable increase in leopard activity in Arivoli Nagar, a residential area located at the foothills of the Senna Malai forest in the Sirumugai forest range. Residents have been living in fear as leopards from the nearby forested areas venture into human settlements in search of easy prey.
The leopards, believed to be coming from the Senna Malai forest area, have been targeting domestic animals such as goats and cattle raised by the local community. This escalating human-wildlife conflict has raised concerns about potential attacks on humans, leading to urgent calls for action from the residents.
Responding to the situation, the Sirumugai Forest Department officials have taken proactive measures to capture the leopard. They have installed a cage in the foothills of Arivoli Nagar, using dogs as bait to lure the big cat. The cage, brought in from the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, is being closely monitored by the forest officials.
The Forest Department's swift action aims to prevent any potential human-animal conflicts and ensure the safety of both the residents and the wildlife. Officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any leopard sightings to the authorities immediately.
As the operation continues, local residents are hopeful that the leopard will be safely captured and relocated, bringing an end to their concerns and restoring peace in the area.