Villagers in Kamareddy’s Ramreddy mandal gripped by fear after big cat attacks on cattle

Villagers in Kamareddy’s Ramreddy mandal are in panic after leopard and tiger attacks on cattle. Forest officials have launched inspections and awareness campaigns. Wildlife experts have been roped in to assess the situation, but cage trapping isn’t yet authorised.

Kamareddy: Fear has gripped several villages in Ramreddy mandal following repeated attacks on cattle by wild animals, suspected to be a leopard or tiger, over the past few days.

On Wednesday, villagers from Khannapur reported that a cow was killed by a wild animal. Responding to the complaint, forest officials inspected the area. “It is a forest zone, and we could not trace any pugmarks as it has been raining continuously,” said Kamareddy Forest Divisional Officer PV Ramakrishna.

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However, the department has roped in wildlife experts to identify the animal responsible and initiate appropriate steps.

Earlier, leopard pugmarks were spotted at Gokulthanda, while tiger pugmarks were seen in Khoorthanda about 10 days ago. Both villages lie within a 20 km radius of Khannapur, indicating the possible movement of big cats through the area.

In a disturbing incident, four persons were detained for spraying pesticide on a cow carcass in a bid to deter wild animals from preying on their livestock. The forest department has since been conducting awareness campaigns, urging villagers not to take such unlawful steps.

Officials clarified that as the affected areas fall within forest limits and not designated human habitations, setting up a cage trap is currently not an option. “If the situation escalates and with approval from senior officials, such measures can be considered,” forest officials added.