Villagers panic as leopard kills cow near Hasanur

A cow was reportedly killed in a leopard attack near Hasanur in Thalavadi taluk on Wednesday (November 11, 2026), raising fresh concerns over attacks on livestock in villages bordering the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.

The cow, which had been left to graze near the reserve forest, was found dead on the roadside along National Highway 948 (Dindigul-Mysuru), which passes through the reserve. Villagers suspected that a leopard had attacked and killed the animal.

Earlier, V. Periyasamy of Bungalow Thotti was found dead along a stream near the forest fringes on October 4. The Forest Department confirmed that he had been killed in a leopard attack and subsequently intensified surveillance in the area.

The department said in a press release that cages had been installed at two locations to capture the leopard posing a threat to the public. Two leopard cubs, aged about a year, were trapped near Bunk Thottam at around 5 a.m. on October 22. A male leopard, aged five to six years, was captured at P.K.P.N. Thottam at around 6.45 a.m. on October 23.

A forest veterinarian examined all three animals and found them healthy. They were subsequently released into the dense forest, the release said.

The latest incident has renewed fears among villagers that leopards continue to venture out of the reserve forest in search of prey, despite the capture and release of three animals last month. The fact that the cow was reportedly attacked during the daytime has added to their concerns. Residents have urged the Forest Department to intensify surveillance and take measures to protect livestock grazing near the forest fringes.