Cage placed to trap elusive leopard in Kovai

Villagers had spotted the animal along with its two cubs straying in Molapalayam area and promptly informed the Forest officials. A team of Forest Department personnel visited the locality and confirmed the pug marks found to be that of a leopard and its cubs.

“The pug marks found belonged to the same leopard which made frequent visits to Chennanur, a tribal village near Thondamuthur. It preyed upon cattle reared by locals a week ago,” said a Forest official.

According to sources, the Forest Department had placed a cage in Chennanur to capture the animal. However, no leopard movement was reported in the area since then.

Hence, the officials have shifted the cage from Chennanur to Molapalayam to trap the animal. A dog has been placed inside the cage as a bait to lure the leopard.

“Leopards usually go around in search of prey during night hours. Hence, the live bait (dog) is kept inside the cage only during the night hours. A team of personnel have been deputed to maintain round-the-clock vigil to track the movement of the leopard. It will soon be caught,” said a Forest Department official.