The Hindu : Karnataka News : Leopard kills calf near Chamundi Hills

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 02, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Leopard kills calf near Chamundi Hills

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE, MAY 1. A wild leopard strayed into Gowrishankar Nagar near Chamundi Hills on Friday night and killed a calf sending the residents into a state of panic.

The incident came to light when a few passers-by witnessed a calf gasping for breath before collapsing around 8 p.m. On closer examination, it was found that the calf had sustained injuries on the neck and was profusely bleeding.

Preliminary examination reinforced the suspicion that the calf was killed by a leopard though none of the residents confirmed having sighted the wild animal. This only added to the anxiety of the public in the area.

The police reached the venue and suggested that the dead calf be allowed to remain at the spot and they wait for the leopard to return to eat the kill.

The police said the idea was to lure the leopard back to the vicinity and allow it to eat the prey. They could then trap it with the help of Forest Department officials.

But the citizens turned down the suggestion and decided to bury the animal.

Gowrishankar Nagar is close to Chamundi Hills which has emerged as an ideal habitat for leopards.

It is suspected that the garbage dumping yard on the Mysore-Ooty Highway adjoining the Chamundi Hills was proving to be a happy hunting ground for leopards as the place was full of street dogs living off the garbage.

Dogs are an easy prey for the wild cats and the easy availability of the former has led to an increase in the number of leopards around Chamundi Hills.

Hence, it is common to sight leopards near the residential areas abutting the Chamundi Hills.

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