Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 23: The frequent movement of a leopard in the Maroli and Shakthinagar areas has created an atmosphere of fear among city residents. Local residents reported seeing the leopard on Sunday morning as well.

According to locals, the predator has been spotted daily since February 17 near Shakthinagar, Maroli, and the adjacent railway tracks.

CCTV footage from a residence in Shakthinagar shows the leopard entering a compound through the gate, confirming its presence in the residential zone. The sightings have particularly caused alarm among churchgoers heading to Kulshekar Church in the early morning hours, as the animal was seen roaming in the vicinity during that time.

Citizens have informed the forest department about sightings near the Nanthoor Suryanarayana Temple and the Kulshekar Church area during daylight hours. Forest officials have confirmed the movement of the leopard in these sectors.

Stressing the danger to pedestrians and residents, locals have urged the forest department to deploy traps and capture the animal immediately to restore a sense of safety in the neighbourhood.