A leopard allegedly entered a cattle shed and killed three calves at Osatti village in Hasanur panchayat near the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve here on Friday (May 22, 2026) night.
Villagers said Raju, a resident of the village, had housed cattle and calves in a shed near his house. During the night, he heard the cattle crying out and rushed to the spot, where he allegedly saw a leopard escaping from the shed. On inspection, three calves were found dead with bite injuries. The incident caused panic among villagers and farmers in the area.
Residents said incidents of wild animals straying into villages bordering the forest have increased in recent months. Raju urged the authorities to provide compensation for the loss of the calves.
Forest officials advised farmers and cattle rearers in forest fringe villages to remain cautious during night hours and while grazing livestock near forest areas.