Repeated leopard sightings near homes, roads and residential areas in Mulki taluk of Dakshina Kannada have raised concern among residents, with locals seeking immediate forest department action and monitoring of the animal’s movements.
A leopard was reportedly seen four days ago in the compound of Sharath’s house in the Maradka area near Kinnigoli, where it attacked a pet dog. On Sunday, another sighting was reported near a slope along the main road from Kempegudde to Mailottu, within the limits of Mulki Town Panchayat.
CCTV footage from the house of garage owner Madhav Poojary reportedly captured the animal near the entrance gate at about 12.05 am. The leopard remained there briefly before moving away. The sighting took place close to a populated area, where residents commonly travel at night.
Signs indicating the movement of a leopard were also reportedly found in the Kollur area on Monday night. Residents said intensified barking by street dogs had also suggested the presence of the animal, although the report did not provide an official confirmation linking the sounds to the leopard.
The sightings have heightened concern because the reported locations include residential surroundings and roads used by people after dark. The presence of a leopard near homes and public routes has led residents to seek precautionary measures to reduce the possibility of the animal entering densely inhabited areas.
Residents have urged forest department officials to visit the affected locations, inspect the reported sightings and determine the area in which the leopard is moving. They have also sought continued surveillance of its movements and preventive measures near settlements. The report did not state whether the department had begun an official tracking or capture operation.
