The month-long terror that gripped the agricultural community around Kaduru village in Ranebennur Taluk, Haveri District, has finally come to an end. The Forest Department successfully captured a leopard that had been persistently sighted in the farmlands near the village hillside, causing immense fear among local farmers.
Month of Fear and Disruption
For nearly a month, the leopard had been making its presence felt in the region. The intermittent but continuous sightings had created a state of anxiety, severely disrupting the daily lives and livelihoods of the farmers. The fear of an attack was so intense that many villagers began to hesitate or completely avoid going to their fields and farms for essential agricultural work. The presence of the big cat posed a risk not only to human life but also to livestock, which forms the backbone of the local economy.
Caught on Camera and in the Cage
The leopard’s presence was definitively confirmed just last week when its movements were caught on camera. The elusive animal was captured on a CCTV camera installed in a farmhouse near the fields, providing concrete evidence of the danger lurking in the area.
Following persistent pressure and growing concerns from the villagers, the Forest Department acted swiftly. They strategically placed a cage (trap) in the farmlands, close to the rocky hills near Kaduru village, where the leopard was most likely to roam.
The operation was a success: the leopard was caught in the cage overnight.
Relief for the Farming Community
The news of the capture has brought a wave of relief to the farmers and residents of the surrounding areas. The constant threat that had been keeping them awake at night and preventing them from working has now been neutralised.
Forest Department officials stated that the captured leopard is healthy. It will soon be safely relocated to a suitable forested area away from human habitation, ensuring the safety of both the animal and the public.
