Leopard sighted in Muddebihal

A leopard was spotted in a sugar cane field near Madikeshwar in the taluk on Friday, creating panic among villagers.

According to Forest officials, Basavanna Pujari, a villager, saw a leopard enter the sugar cane field of Bheemappa Tamburi in the morning. He immediately alerted the Panchayat officials and the Forest department.

Deputy Forest Range Officer Subhaschandra, who visited the spot, gathered information regarding the leopard from the villagers. Forest officials have made all arrangements to trap the leopard alive, just as they did recently in Gonal village. Veterinarian Dr Mahadev Lamaani has been called to Muddebihal, and traps have been laid in Madikeshwar and Hagaragunde by keeping dogs as bait.

Meanwhile, Deputy Conservator of Forests K V Nayak dismissed rumours that a leopard was sighted at Nalathawada. He said it was a hyena.