Leopard confirmed in Mattathur after pet dog killed; residents on alert

Forest Department officials have confirmed the presence of a leopard in Mattathur panchayat after a pet dog was killed at Mankoottyppadam, according to officials. The animal was recorded on a camera trap installed near the site of the attack.

The dog, which belonged to local landowner Kuttiyara Paulose, was found dead in the early hours of September 15 near a rubber plantation bordering the forest. It had been tethered on his property and was apparently dragged into the adjoining plantation after being attacked. Parts of the carcass had been eaten.

Suspecting a leopard was responsible, Forest Department personnel set up surveillance cameras in the area. The animal was captured on camera the next day. However, checks over the following four to five days did not yield any further sightings, and officials suspect the leopard may have moved elsewhere.

Separately, a local resident reported seeing a leopard cross the road at Chelakkattukara near Moonnumuri about four days ago. Residents of Mankoottyppadam have also reported pet dogs going missing from the area in recent days.

With the leopard's presence now confirmed, residents have been advised to remain cautious. Rubber tappers in the area are especially concerned, as their work requires them to reach the plantations in the early hours of the morning.

Forest officials said they are continuing to monitor the area through camera traps to track the animal's movement.