Leopard, suspected to have attacked pet dog, triggers panic at Chathirur in Kannur

Residents who go for early morning rubber tapping have raised suspicion of a tiger’s presence in the area.

Forest officials, who used crackers on Monday to drive away wild animals, reported hearing the sounds of an animal retreating but left the area after 6 p.m. Footprints, believed to be of a leopard, were discovered near Mr. Benoy’s house, prompting inspection by the Forest department.

Babu, a resident, said the incident followed a similar development last week when a pet dog belonging to Thankachan at Puthuparambil and another person were killed by the wild animal.

Following local protests, the Forest department plans to install a cage and camera traps in the area to confirm the animal’s identity and safely capture it.