Leopard scare grips Irala mandal after cow killed

Fear gripped the villagers of Echaneri hamlet in Irala mandal in Chittoor district after a leopard reportedly killed a cow on Wednesday.

According to Forest officials, frequent movements of a leopard were reported at the hilly areas abutting the forests on the Irala-Tavanampalle border in recent days. Against this backdrop, the big cat was said to have fatally mauled a cow, partially devouring the animal before retreating towards a hillock. A team of Forest officials reached the spot and launched a search to identify the pug marks of the leopard.

The villagers were cautioned to secure their livestock during nights, and the elderly people were informed not to move in the darkness alone.