Are Leopard Sightings and Attacks Causing Panic in Coimbatore?
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Synopsis
Leopard sightings in Coimbatore have caused major panic, prompting forest officials to take action. With several incidents reported, the community is on high alert. Discover the latest updates and safety measures being implemented to protect residents.
Key Takeaways
- Camera traps are being used to monitor leopard activity.
- Night patrols are in place to prevent human-leopard conflicts.
- Residents are urged to stay indoors during early morning and night.
- Wildlife experts recommend long-term safety measures.
- Recent attacks have heightened community fears.
Chennai, June 29 (NationPress) In response to alarming leopard sightings in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district, forest officials from the Boluvampatti range have strategically positioned 10 pairs of camera traps around a grove located on the northern side of Kuppepalayam, close to Devarayapuram. This action follows the emergence of CCTV footage showing a leopard in the vicinity, which has sparked considerable panic among local residents.
The grove’s proprietor, Sakthi, notified the authorities after the footage gained traction on social media platforms. Forest officials have reported that there have been no incidents involving attacks on livestock to date. However, they believe that the leopard, possibly migrating from the Madukkarai forest, is encroaching on human settlements in search of easier prey.
“We have set up camera traps to track its movements. If necessary, we will implement a cage to relocate the animal. Our team will also conduct nighttime watch to avert any potential human-leopard conflicts,” stated a forest official.
In the Mavuthampathi settlement, reports surfaced recently of a leopard having killed multiple goats. Additionally, in the adjacent Palacode forest areas, particularly the village of Valaithottam, locals have witnessed several leopard sightings over the past few months.
This leopard has previously assaulted farmlands, resulting in the death of a domestic dog and a chicken. Recently, it hunted another chicken, further escalating villagers' fears.
Tragically, in the Valparai region of Coimbatore district, a series of unfortunate events have unfolded. Just a few days ago, a six-year-old girl named Roshini Kumari, the daughter of migrant workers from Jharkhand, was attacked by a leopard while assisting her mother in fetching water from a tap situated behind their home in Pachamalai estate.
The forest teams located her body the following day after an extensive search employing drones, sniffer dogs, and camera traps. This marks the third incident of its kind in Valparai in recent months.
In October 2024, a four-year-old girl named Apsara Khatun, also from a migrant family, lost her life to a leopard near Uzhemala estate. In November 2023, a seven-year-old boy named Pradheep was injured in a leopard attack in Sirukundra, located within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Wildlife experts are advocating for long-term solutions, which include protective fencing, enhanced lighting in labor settlements, and the relocation of at-risk communities.
Forest authorities are advising residents to refrain from going outside during the early morning and nighttime hours and are committed to ongoing efforts to prevent further incidents.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the urgency of the situation in Coimbatore, where leopard sightings have raised significant safety concerns for residents. The proactive measures taken by local authorities demonstrate a commitment to protecting both the community and wildlife. A balanced approach is crucial in addressing human-animal conflicts while ensuring public safety.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions are being taken by forest officials in Coimbatore?
Forest officials have installed 10 pairs of camera traps to monitor leopard movements and are prepared to relocate the animal if necessary.
Have there been any attacks on livestock in the area?
So far, there have been no confirmed attacks on domestic animals, but sightings have raised concerns.
What safety measures are recommended for residents?
Residents are advised to avoid going out during early morning and nighttime hours to reduce the risk of encounters with leopards.
What has prompted the rise in leopard sightings?
The leopard is suspected to be moving from the Madukkarai forest in search of easier prey near human settlements.
What tragic incidents have occurred recently?
A six-year-old girl was mauled by a leopard, marking the third such incident in Valparai in recent months.
