Forest teams deploy drones to track two leopards in Chittoor district

The Forest Department has deployed two special teams equipped with drone cameras to track two leopards moving through Chittoor rural mandal and nearby areas, following a series of reported sightings.

District Forest Officer G. Subburaj said combing operations have turned up pugmarks of the animals. The two leopards are part of a four-member group, of which two died recently — one after falling into a well and the other in a territorial fight.

The officer said the district's mandals support a strong prey base, which has helped sustain a healthy leopard population. The two cats currently on the move have not caused any serious trouble, apart from attacking stray dogs.

While members of the public have asked for the leopards to be captured, officials said such a step is not technically feasible at present because the animals are moving within their natural habitat and only occasionally cross fields. Capture is considered only when a big cat turns into a menace by killing humans or cattle, the officer said, adding that both animals are behaving normally.

In the meantime, forest staff have begun awareness drives in vulnerable villages. Residents are being advised not to step out after dusk, to keep their cattle secure, and to avoid rural roads at night while riding two-wheelers.