Leopard Sightings in Farmlands Cause Panic Across Bailhongal Villages; Forest Department to Place Cages

Residents and agricultural workers in Bailhongal taluk are living under fear following repeated sightings of a leopard across farmlands in Koravikoppa, Vakkund, and Hosur villages. According to local reports, the wild animal has been spotted moving day and night in agricultural fields over recent days, triggering widespread panic among nearby rural communities. The presence of the predator has severely disrupted daily agricultural operations across the impacted villages. Farmers and rural laborers are hesitant to visit their fields for routine cultivation, crop maintenance, and livestock care due to fear of unexpected encounters or attacks. Local villagers stated that domestic animals in the vicinity have also been exposed to risk, heightened by frequent sightings near human habitations on the outskirts of the villages. Following urgent appeals from panicked villagers, officials from the Karnataka Forest Department visited the affected sites to inspect the terrain and verify footprint evidence. Officials confirmed animal movement in the agricultural belt and announced plans to deploy cages and increase patrolling to capture the leopard safely. Local authorities have advised farmers to remain vigilant, avoid venturing alone into fields during early morning or late evening hours, and immediately report any further sightings to the forest department.