Malappuram (Kerala): A 50-year-old woman in Kerala’s Malappuram district has claimed that she fought off a leopard using a coconut stalk after the animal attacked her near her home.

The incident reportedly took place on Friday near Pookkottumpadam. The woman, identified as Janaki, told officials that she was sitting outside her house when she heard a loud noise from behind. When she turned around, she allegedly saw a leopard, which then jumped on her.

Janaki claimed that she managed to fend off the animal by chasing it away with a coconut petiole lying nearby. She sustained injuries to her head, back and both arms during the attack and was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Forest department officials said they were informed about the incident and added that the woman has reported a leopard attack. They said further details would be confirmed after officials visit the site and conduct an inquiry.