Leopard captured after livestock attacks in Erode district

Leopard captured after livestock attacks in Erode, now receiving veterinary care following its relocation to a dense forest area.

A male leopard, aged around six years, that had been attacking livestock in forest fringe villages near the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, was captured by the Forest Department in the early hours of Thursday (March 26, 2026).

According to forest officials, the animal had been preying on cattle in areas under the Vilankombai patrol limits of the Kadambur forest division for the past six months, causing concern among farmers. Based on official instructions, a cage had been placed at Vinobanagar and Gunderipallam, and the area was kept under constant surveillance by forest staff. The leopard was trapped in the cage at around 3 a.m. on Thursday.

Following this, it was shifted to a dense forest area. A veterinary examination revealed an injury on the animal’s hind portion. Forest veterinary officials have begun treatment, and further action will be taken after assessing its recovery, officials said.