Leopard menace now in Nelamangala, residents dread to step out of homes

BENGALURU: The residents of Shivanagara in Nelamagala, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, are in a state of fear after pug marks of a leopard were sighted last week. Locals are spending sleepless nights even since.

Forest officials are patrolling around Shivanagara since a week after pug marks were found.

Just a few days ago, leopard movements were recorded in several areas after dogs were attacked. After a lull of  4-5 days, leopard movement has now again been recorded in Shivanagara area of Nelamanagala. Citizens living on the outskirts are scared to go out for walks or let their children out to play in the streets.

Nelamanagala zonal forest officials have already sensitised people to remain alert and also protect cattle and pets from leopard attacks. They have distributed pamphlets to raise awareness among the villagers in the surrounding areas.

Scratches made by a leopard on a car and (righ) pug marks which were found.

The areas that are being patrolled by Forest officials include Shivanagara, Jakkasandra, Bairashettyhalli, Soladevanahalli and Bommanahalli.

Hanumanthaiah, a resident of Shivanagara, said, “The presence of a leopard can be confirmed by the pug marks.  The number of stray dogs has decreased since a week. Earlier there were 15 to 20 dogs in the locality and now only a few left. There is the Hoysala College nearby and people are scared to venture out. I saw a leopard at night and it scratched my car. When we switched on the lights, it escaped. The Forest Department has to conduct more patrolling in this area. The entire Shivanagar population is in a state of fear. We have informed the college principal to clean their campus surroundings. Forest officials have surveyed the area”.

A resident of Shivanagar Hanumantayya urged the forest department t take up necessary measures in saving lives of people.

“Forest officials say a leopard will remain in a place for at least three days within 5 km radius. The authorities concerned should take the matter seriously and initiate measures to trap the leopard at the earliest possible”, he added.