Leopard sighting in Odisha village creates panic, forest officials on high alert

A leopard has caused panic in Kadabasanta village under the Kamakhyanagar West Range in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district after it attacked a cow in the area. The incident was reported by villagers immediately, raising concerns about livestock safety.

According to reports, a similar attack had occurred two days ago in Madarangamunda village under the Mahabiroda Range, where the leopard attacked another cow. Forest officials from the Mahabiroda Range had traced the leopard’s footprints and monitored its movements.

However, the leopard reportedly moved from the Mahabiroda Range to Kadabasanta village, creating fear among the local population. Villagers reported that the leopard dragged a cow near the village into the forest, prompting immediate action from the forest department.

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Kailash Chandra Sahu of Kamakhyanagar West Range, along with Mahabiroda Range officer Haresh Kisan and key forest personnel, reached the site to track and capture the leopard. An independent forest team and a rescue team from Dhenkanal have also been deployed for a detailed search.

Officials confirmed that based on the footprints found, the leopard is likely the same one responsible for the earlier attack.

Villagers have been warned not to enter the forest and to keep their livestock, including cows and goats, under close supervision. Patrols and monitoring are ongoing to ensure the safety of both villagers and animals in the area.