Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 4: Leopard movement has been detected in area near Manipal. A leopard was found moving in Manchikere and surrounding areas in recent times, it is gathered.

Following complaint from the locals, the forest department has placed traps in two places based on the information provided by the locals. Manipal had witnessed leopard movement earlier also.

According to the locals, a leopard was spotted in the locality a few days ago. Locals have witnessed its movements earlier also. People of the locality fear to go out in the night.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, Ashish Reddy, forest officer, Kundapur sub division said, "As there are three wildlife sanctuaries in the district, leopard movement may have taken place. The place where it was found has deemed forest in the adjoining areas. It is a hilly region and based on the complaints of the locals and information provided by the eyewitness, we have placed two traps for capturing the leopard.”

The Manipal-Alevoor road adjoining to the leopard movement path is largely used by motorists even during night time. Workers returning from factories late night are dependent on this road. The locals are hoping the leopard to be trapped soon.