Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Sep 14: A leopard was reportedly spotted near Darbe in 34 Nekkilady on September 13, where it hunted a dog and subsequently dragged it towards the forest, according to eyewitnesses.

Darbe resident Nagaraj is said to have witnessed the leopard carrying and dragging the dog while four to five other dogs barked and chased after it. The area has social forestry, and two elephants had reportedly ventured into the locality around two years ago. The leopard is believed to have taken the dog towards Cheemullu and Anodagundi.

A week ago, footprints believed to belong to a wild animal were found near the car parking area of the house belonging to Hamid Paraneeru in the Seema Compound area of 34 Nekkilady village. Although the leopard was not captured on the CCTV camera installed there, a sound resembling a leopard's growl was reportedly recorded.

As a result, local residents have expressed suspicion that the footprints could have belonged to a leopard. Overall, reports of the leopard's presence have caused concern and anxiety among residents of the area.