Ranpur: Panic gripped Talakani village under Ranpur forest division of Nayagarh district after some of the villagers reported sighting of a leopard in Mainshikhola jungle here Saturday.
According to locals, some of the villagers had been to Mainshikhol jungle near Chhhatakumbha hill at about 4:00pm when they spotted a leopard prowling. Terrified, they ran towards the village and informed the fellow residents.
Later in the day at about 5:30pm, some of the women who went to the jungle to relieve themselves unaware of the presence of the big cat, also saw the beast near a bush and had to run to safety.
Confirming the presence of a leopard in the jungle, Ranpur forest officer Sarat Satapathy advised the villagers against venturing into the jungle. He also added that his department has deputed staff to keep a tab on the animal’s movement.
The villagers, meanwhile, are a worried bunch as they fear feline attack on them and their livestock.
PNN