Leopard endangering human lives shot dead in Chikkamagaluru

Tarikere (Chikkamagaluru district): A leopard that had posed a serious threat to humans and livestock in the taluk for several days was shot dead by a special team of the Forest Department near Bhairapura village on Saturday, according to a press release issued by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bhadravathi Division.

The release stated that the leopard had not only killed a five-year-old girl, who lived in a shed near a stone quarry close to the forests of Shivapura village in the Tarikere range, but had also been roaming the hills, villages, ponds, streams, and estates in and around Nandi, Kenchapura, Kenchapura Gate, and Bhairapura villages, exhibiting extremely dangerous behaviour that threatened human lives.

Since it was essential to capture the leopard immediately to prevent further tragedies — and realising that any delay in the capture would endanger more lives — the department launched the operation with permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Bengaluru.

To capture the leopard, veterinarians from Mangaluru, Bandipur, Bannerghatta, and the Tyavarekoppa zoo in Shivamogga were pressed to service on Saturday, along with three elephants from Sakrebail. The Leopard Task Force from Mysuru and the Elephant Task Force from Chikkamagaluru were also called in for the operation.

While searching for the leopard near Bhairapura village, the team spotted it entering a dense patch of lantana bushes.

The area was surrounded, and Mangaluru-based veterinarian
Dr Yashaswi, his assistant, and two armed staff members entered the lantana thicket to tranquillise the animal. Suddenly, the leopard sprang out and attempted to attack the personnel. For the safety of the team, a shot was fired. The leopard then fled, but after a search, it was later found dead at a distance. The carcass has been taken into custody, and further procedures are being followed, the release added.