Leopard Sightings Trigger Fear In Rajanna Sircilla Villages

KARIMNAGAR: Fear has gripped residents of Rudrangi and Manala areas following repeated sightings of a leopard roaming close to human habitations in Rajanna Sircilla district. Locals alerted forest officials after spotting the big cat on Tuesday night near the Bugga Rajeshwara Swamy temple, located between the Rudrangi and Manala forest regions. The leopard reportedly approached a herd of cattle, triggering panic among workers at nearby brick kilns.

Forest officials have confirmed the presence of leopards in the Rudrangi, Marrimadla and Manala forest stretches. Locals also managed to capture visuals of the animal on mobile phones, showing it resting on a rock near the temple.

Vemulawada forest range officer Khaleeluddin told Deccan Chronicle that leopards are commonly found in the forest region and occasionally stray into human habitations. “They are not as dangerous as tigers and generally do not attack people, but they do prey on small animals and cattle,” he said.

Frequent leopard movement has disrupted daily life in the area. Farmers are hesitant to visit their fields, and residents are avoiding venturing out after sunset. The recurring sightings have heightened anxiety among villagers, who fear unexpected encounters.

In response, the forest department has issued a high alert and advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid moving alone, particularly during night hours. Special teams have been deployed to monitor the area, and efforts are underway to set traps to capture and relocate the leopard to a safer habitat at the earliest.