The Forest department has sounded alert and intensified patrolling at Palukachimala, an ecotourism hub on the borders of Kottiyoor and Kelakam panchayats in Kannur, after cameras confirmed the presence of two leopards.
The cameras were installed in the area recently by the department after a calf belonging to a farmer was found killed by a wild animal last Thursday. Video footages have revealed the presence of two leopards.
Earlier, local residents had reported the presence of leopards in multiple locations at Kottiyoor and Kelakam panchayats. However, forest officials could not locate the animals. The officials have also not found the carcass of any animals possibly killed by leopards in the region.
As apprehension grew among the local residents, the panchayats locked horns with the Forest department demanding action to capture the leopards.
Kottiyyoor Forest Range Officer Sudheer Neroth said the calf was killed as it was tied quite close to the forest fringe. There is no reason for panic as of now, he added.
Mr. Neroth said teams of forest officials will be patrolling the area and urged people to be cautious and not to venture outside after dusk.
The panchayats have also taken initiatives to create awareness among the local residents about safety.