
Karkala/Hebri, Jun 27, 2026: A leopard sighting near Karkala and a separate daylight attack on a calf in Hebri have triggered fear among residents, with locals urging the forest department to take immediate preventive measures.
A leopard was spotted by the roadside near Pilikallu in Sanoor village, Karkala, at around 8 pm on June 24. The sighting came to light after a local resident, who was returning home from Karkala town, saw the animal crossing the road and recorded the incident on his mobile phone.
As an educational institution is located close to the spot and the road is frequently used by students and local residents, villagers have appealed to the public to remain vigilant. They have also urged the forest department to inspect the area and take necessary precautionary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
In a separate incident on Friday, a leopard attacked and injured a calf near the Seethanadi Nature Camp in Hebri, further heightening fears in the region.
According to reports, Chandrasekhar Shetty had taken his cattle to graze in a paddy field when the leopard suddenly attacked one of the calves, biting it on the neck. The predator fled after the other cows charged towards it, allowing the calf to escape.
Residents said leopards have been frequently sighted in the area, with several cows and dogs reportedly falling prey in recent months. Many families have begun keeping their dogs inside cages as a precaution. The latest daytime attack has intensified concerns, leaving villagers worried about their safety.