A bike rider fell victim to a leopard’s aggression on Monday in the Hadagali taluk of Vijayanagara district. Grappling with serious injuries, the injured man was admitted to a neighbouring hospital for immediate medical attention, following the distressing incident.
The incident transpired as Praveen, a young individual, was journeying between the Magala-Hirehadagali villages. Commotion and cries from Praveen prompted nearby farmers and passers-by to swiftly come to his aid. Seizing the opportunity, the leopard fled the scene. Subsequently, the wounded young man was promptly admitted to a medical facility.
This occurrence has sparked concerns within the community due to the prevalence of villagers traversing the area on bikes and scooters, often accompanied by their families. Moreover, a significant number of individuals commute by foot from the villages to nearby factories.
To allay these worries, forest authorities have assured residents of their commitment to take appropriate measures. Demands from the local populace have urged authorities to proactively address the situation, especially as the leopard, originally focused on attacking livestock, appears to have expanded its targets to include humans, prompting fears of potential tragedies.
In a related development, another leopard was sighted in the villages of Hospet taluk within the same district. Recent findings from a survey conducted by authorities indicate a rise in leopard numbers in the Ballary and Vijayanagara districts.