Hyderabad: Tension gripped Jogulamba Gadwal district early yesterday when a leopard was spotted prowling near Patapalam village, sending locals into a state of panic. The big cat was reportedly seen around four in the morning, sparking concerns about the safety of residents and livestock.
Residents woke up to a grim discovery when they found a calf dead in a small thatched hut about a kilometre from the village, its body bearing unmistakable signs of a leopard attack. The frightened villagers explained that the predator had dragged the calf away and killed it, leaving behind a trail of paw prints that confirmed its presence in the area.
Fear and anxiety spread quickly as word got around, with many locals worried that the leopard might return. Some said they had seen similar pugmarks near the scene, making it clear that the calf was indeed the victim of a leopard attack.
Forest department officials were alerted immediately, and teams rushed to the spot to investigate. The officials assured residents that efforts were being made to track and possibly capture the animal to prevent further incidents.
The incident has sparked renewed calls from villagers for authorities to step up measures to protect them and their livestock from wildlife incursions. Locals urged officials to keep a close watch on the area and take swift action to prevent any future attacks.
