Nilgiris: A CCTV camera footage of a leopard entering the compound of a house in Kotagiri in Nilgiris district on Saturday morning and attempting to hunt a pet dog has triggered concern among residents.Locals said leopards have been frequently venturing into human habitations in and around Kotagiri in recent weeks in search of prey, targeting pets and other domestic animals.In the latest incident, a leopard was seen cautiously entering a house near the Vinayagar Temple in Kotagiri. “The animal climbed the staircase leading to the terrace and scanned the surroundings in search of prey. But on hearing a dog bark, the leopard descended the stairs and approached the source of the sound.” said M Rajendran, a resident.However, the dog was safely secured inside an iron cage, preventing the leopard from attacking it. After failing to reach the animal, the leopard quickly climbed back up the staircase and fled into a nearby tea estate.Residents have urged the forest department to take immediate steps to ensure public safety and to consider trapping the leopard before it becomes a serious threat. Forest officials have assured them of capturing the animal at the earliest.
