.jpg?$p=8a7b7b1&f=16x10&w=852&q=0.8)
Leopard's carcass | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Mannarkkad: The tragic death of a leopard, which got trapped in the net of a chicken coop, came as a shocker for many in the state. The incident took place on Sunday at a house in Mekalappara, Palakkad.
As per reports, the four-year-old leopard got trapped in the coop, which had around 100 chickens inside. Philip, the owner of the house, said "I heard sound from the chicken coop in the night. On coming out, I saw a leopard hanging in the chicken coop.”
“Initially I thought it was some wild cat, but later found out otherwise,” he added.
Soon after, the forest officials were informed and they arrived at the spot. In the meantime, the animal’s front leg got stuck in the iron net of the coop. Following which, the leopard was seen hanging upside down.
A portion of the coop was covered with tarpaulin sheets in order to prevent the animal from escaping and a net was also set up. The next attempt was to tranquilise the animal and chief forest veterinary surgeon Dr Arun Zachariah was contacted for the purpose.
However, no sound was heard from the coop by around 7 am the next day. Following which, the forest officials examined the leopard and confirmed its death.
According to Dr Arun Zachariah, the death happened due to capture myopathy. The carcass was sent for post mortem and buried later.
Fear of leopards
The residents of Mannarkkad valley and the villages located around the Silent Valley forest areas have been living in fear of leopards for the past several years.
“About 10 years ago my cow was killed and recently four goats of another man were killed," claimed Philip.
Meanwhile, the presence of leopards have been confirmed in various places in the valley, including Karapadam, Kacheriparambu and Thiruvizhamkunnu among others.
According to the local residents, a leopard was spotted in a plantation near Kandamangalam last month. There have been several reports of leopards attacking domestic livestock too.
With ANI inputs
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=79c0b37&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=58db1bc&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=f2f6119&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.jpg?$p=fb9fbae&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
