In yet another incident that has heightened fear among residents of Hasanur and surrounding habitations, who were already living in apprehension, a leopard killed a cow here on Wednesday (October 21, 2026).
The incident took place on Wednesday morning when a leopard attacked and killed a cow grazing near a bush in front of the Hasanur Forest Department office. The incident came amid a series of leopard attacks on cattle in the region, triggering fresh concern among residents.
It may be recalled that the partially consumed body of V. Periyasamy of Bungalow Thotti was found along a stream near the forest fringes under the Hasanur Range of the Hasanur Forest Division of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) on October 4. Residents suspect that a leopard was responsible for his death, citing a series of cattle kills in nearby villages over the past six months. The Forest Department has installed camera traps at 10 locations and deployed 50 staff members for night patrols. Residents of forest-fringe villages have also been advised not to venture out after sunset.
On the night of October 10, two cows and a calf were killed in separate incidents in Old Hasanur, Ongalwadi and Bungalow Thotti, with one animal killed in each village. Residents suspect that multiple carnivores could have been involved in the attacks. Villagers have accused the Forest Department of failing to prevent the recurring attacks and demanded that a cage trap be installed immediately to capture the leopard and ensure the safety of residents and their livestock.
Published - October 21, 2026 06:39 pm IST