Leopard scare grips villagers near Valparai, Kundadam

Estate workers in Valparai, coming under Anamalai Tiger Reserve noticed three leopards crossing a rivulet and entering the estate on Saturday evening, police said. However, some anti-poaching squad members managed to chase away the carnivores back into the jungles, even as the workers remained apprehensive.

Forest department officials claimed that leopards might have strayed into the human habitat in search of food, mainly to hunt dogs and other domestic animals, and cautioned workers against venturing out late in the evening. 

Similarly, villagers in Kundadam in Tirupur district also suspected the movement of leopard, as a goat was dragged and killed by some unknown animal, police said. 

Forest officials confirmed the presence of leopard, after finding pug marks, even as steps are being taken to prevent the animal straying into human habitat from upper forest area, they said.