Panic gripped the residents of Belardana village under Komna forest range in Nuapada district after a leopard reportedly strayed into the village and killed a calf on Saturday night.
According to sources, the big cat killed the calf and devoured it before leaving the spot. However, the locals learnt about the incident on Sunday morning, informed sources.
On being informed about the incident, Forest department officials rushed to the village and took stock of the situation.
“We reside with our family and kids. Where shall we go leaving this village? We are under a fearful condition now,” said Arjun Dharua, a local resident.
Recently, an elderly woman reportedly died after being attacked by leopard at Jalamadei village in Sunabeda sanctuary of Nuapada.
In another such incident, as many as 25 sheep were killed and around five sheep were wounded in an unknown animal attack at a village under Mahakalpada block in Kendrapara.
As reported, the unknown animal intruded into the sheepcote of one Mahani Das, a resident of Kalagada village late on Saturday night. Wound marks were found on the neck and stomach of sheep.
On being informed about the incident, livestock inspector along with veterinary doctor reached the spot and launched an investigation.
"Though it is still unclear on what circumstances the animals died, it is suspected that a dog or a similar kind of animal might have attacked the sheep. However, things will be clear after obtaining the post-mortem report,” said Mrutyunjaya Mohanty, Additional Animal Treatment and Disease Control official.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered panic among shepherds in the village.