Close shave with leopard for MSP guard at Nilambur

A leopard caused panic at the Malabar Special Police (MSP) camp at Nilambur in the early hours of Thursday. The animal nearly ambushed a sentinel around 2.30 a.m. and escaped into the forest after the policeman fired a warning shot in the air.

MSP officials said the guard narrowly escaped the leopard’s attack. According to sources, the guard fired at the leopard as it was about to pounce, but missed. The leopard then fled into the forest.

Remains of a porcupine, presumably hunted and eaten by the leopard, were found near the MSP camp.

Forest authorities confirmed the presence of leopard in the area. They have decided to install cameras and cages to trap the leopard.

People of Nilambur are on edge after the leopard’s appearance in the town. Nilambur municipal vice-chairperson Aruma Jayakrishnan criticised the forest staff, saying they were not doing enough to prevent wild animals from venturing into populated areas.