Leopard sightings raise concerns in Pathikonda

 Kurnool:  Residents of Pathikonda are concerned about the recent increase in leopard sightings in the area. Two leopards have been spotted along the hilly track beside the main road, and 10 pet dogs have disappeared in the past couple of days. This has made farmers apprehensive about entering their fields unaccompanied.

Many villages near the state border are also facing similar issues, as leopards frequently venture into their territories in search of prey. Forest officials have deployed forces in these villages to respond to potential animal incursions.

Leopards in these regions often target goats, sheep, dogs, and monkeys for food, creating ongoing problems for local communities. Due to the open terrain of hilly areas, residents frequently observe leopard movements when tending to their agricultural lands.

While leopards primarily take refuge in hillside caves, which are rich in their natural prey, forest officials say they generally avoid human-populated areas. Incidents of attacks on humans have been rare, and no such cases have been reported in the region.

Forest officials advise the public that there is currently no immediate threat to locals and that leopards tend to stay within forested zones. DFO Sivasankar Reddy said that a task force team equipped with weapons and capture equipment has been stationed in the area to monitor and manage leopard movements, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the local population.