A leopard that has been spreading panic at Nambiarkunnu and nearby areas in Wayanad, Kerala, has been caught in a trap set by the Forest department and moved to the animal care centre of the department at Kuppadi. The leopard had allegedly killed and injured several domestic animals, including goats, cows and poultry.
The leopard, which was found to be healthy, was caught in the second trap set for it at Kallur, near Nambiarkunnu, early Tuesday morning. Local people reported that it had caught a hen around 1.30 a.m and was found in the trap at around 5.30 a.m. by people who were delivering milk.
The leopard is suspected to be the same one that was caught wandering in the Nambiarkunnu-Cheeral area last week. It was once caught on camera walking on a road in broad daylight, by travellers. A few days ago, it was found resting in the car porch of Parambil Shaji, whose three-year-old daughter ran into it accidentally. The Forest department had initially set a trap on Mr. Shaji’s plot, but the leopard did not fall into it and moved away. Hence the second trap was set.
Successive sighting of the leopard had triggered panic in the agricultural belt along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. It was noted by Forest department officials that animals often wandered across the border. The local people had recently been protesting demanding action to prevent wild animal attacks.
The presence of more leopards are suspected in the area.
Published – July 01, 2025 02:38 pm IST
