Leopard in forest department's cage in Pathanapuram; four more to be captured, say locals

KOLLAM: A leopard seen at Chithalvetti in Pathanapuram has been captured. The leopard got trapped in the cage set up by the forest department at around 3 am today. The leopard, which has been triggering panic in the area for the past two months, has finally been caught.

However, locals said there is no relief as five more are there to be caged. Two months ago, five leopards were seen by migrant workers near the cashew plantation of the state farming corporation. Its cubs were also there. The forest department was then informed.

Forest department officials who reached the spot installed cameras at various places in the area and continuously monitored them. The forest department had confirmed that there was more than one leopard. The cage was set up last week.

Meantime, forest department officials said the leopard has no health problems. The leopard was taken to the Kakki forest area. It will be released in the inner forest.