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Key Points

A dangerous leopard is creating widespread fear in the Nilgiris district by repeatedly killing pet dogs near residential areas. Forest officials have deployed multiple trap strategies to capture the elusive predator, including camera traps and live bait. The ongoing situation has prompted safety advisories for local residents, particularly school children and those living near wildlife corridors. This incident highlights the increasing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in regions with shrinking natural habitats.

Key Points: Leopard Kills Dogs Evades Capture in Nilgiris Wildlife Crisis

  • Leopard has killed three pet dogs in past week
  • Multiple cage traps set up in Glenrock and Vandisolai areas
  • Forest officials use live goat as bait to capture predator
  • Safety advisories issued for local residents and students
2 min read

Leopard kills pet dogs, evades capture in TN's Nilgiris

Dangerous leopard terrorizes Ooty area, targeting pet dogs and causing panic among residents while forest officials struggle to capture the predator

"Once every three days, the leopard kills pet dogs. - Nilgiris Forest Division Official"

Chennai, Oct 9

Despite multiple attempts by the Tamil Nadu forest department to capture a leopard that has killed at least three pet dogs in the past week, the big cat continues to evade traps in the Nilgiris district.

The elusive predator, which has been prowling around residential settlements near Ooty, has created panic among locals and prompted fresh safety advisories from wildlife officials.

The Nilgiris forest division initially placed a cage and camera traps at Glenrock after two pet dogs were mauled within days. However, the leopard later moved to Vandisolai, where it killed another dog, forcing forest staff to relocate the cage and install two additional camera traps on Tuesday.

A live goat has been tied inside the trap to lure the animal. Officials said that pet dogs, which usually sleep within the premises of houses, are being targeted, while stray dogs appear to have escaped attacks.

"Once every three days, the leopard kills pet dogs. We suspect that it consumes one dog over two days before returning to hunt another. In view of this, private school authorities have been instructed to ensure that students move in groups and not alone after school hours," said an official from the Nilgiris forest division.

Forest personnel have also issued advisories to residents and tourists in Glenrock, Gardenmand and Pudumand to avoid venturing out at night. "People have been asked not to leave domestic animals outside after dusk and to keep the surroundings well-lit," the official added.

Incidents of leopards entering human settlements are not new in the Nilgiris. In 2020, a seven-year-old boy was killed by a leopard near Pandalur, while in 2018, a three-year-old girl died following a leopard attack at Anaikatty. Several similar encounters have occurred near Gudalur and Coonoor in recent years, highlighting the growing overlap between human habitation and wildlife corridors. Experts point out that deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and food scarcity are pushing leopards closer to villages.

The forest department has intensified patrolling and urged residents to promptly report any leopard sightings. As the search continues, residents remain anxious, hoping the big cat will soon be captured before another tragedy strikes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Poor pet owners must be devastated. But let's not forget - we're encroaching on their habitat. Deforestation is forcing these animals into our spaces. Need better conservation efforts.
S
Sarah B
Having lived in the Nilgiris for years, this is becoming too common. The forest department needs to be more proactive rather than reactive. Why wait for more attacks before taking serious action?
A
Arjun K
The pattern of attacking only pet dogs is interesting. Maybe strays are more alert? Pet owners should keep their dogs inside at night. Safety first! 🙏
M
Michael C
While I understand the concern for human safety, we need humane solutions. The leopard is just trying to survive. Relocation to a proper forest reserve would be better than harming the animal.
K
Kavya N
The 2020 and 2018 incidents mentioned show this is a recurring problem. Authorities should have learned by now and created proper buffer zones between forests and settlements.

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