Leopard Scare: Goats’ deaths in another spot spark fresh fears

Even as the fear over the elusive leopard continues to haunt several villages in the district, the latest incident at Simukkampattu has raised doubts among the residents if more than one leopard are on the prowl.

Sources said, 11 goats belonging to Sekar, a farmer, was found dead and nine other goats injured at Simukkampattu village near Vaniyambadi on Friday. On information from Sekar about the death of his goats, forest and police officials inspected the spot and conducted inquiries, Simukampattu is just six km away from Nagaleri Vatttam village that witnessed similar attack on cattle. Six locals were also attacked by the leopard on Thursday.

It may be recalled that on Wednesday a calf and two goats were killed in Arungaldurgam village near Ambur, nearly 15 km from Nagaleri Vattam. Forest officials, who initially planned to set up one cage to trap the predator, placed two cages after the animal appeared to be aggressive when it attacked villagers on Thursday. The wait of forest department staff with tranquilizer guns, who were drafted from Hosur, during the whole night on Thursday went in vain as the animal did not return to the region. Forest personnel said that the animal might not return to the region for some time now after its close encounter with such a big crowd of humans. “So, it is not going to be an easy task,” said sources.

Meanwhile officials have sought help from the police to prevent people from entering forest areas between Ambur and Vaniyambadi as the predator might be wandering.