Mon Feb 03 10:50:37 UTC 2025: ## Leopard Sightings Spark Concern on Tirupati University Campuses
**TIRUPATI, February 3, 2025** – A leopard has been sighted multiple times near Sri Venkateswara University and other nearby campuses in Tirupati over the past three months, causing alarm among students. The animal, believed to be hunting stray dogs attracted by discarded food from campus hostels, has been spotted at least 10-15 times in the area bordering the Tirumala hills. While no human injuries have been reported, the Divisional Forest Officer, P. Vivek, acknowledged the psychological impact of the frequent sightings. Authorities are considering installing cages on the SVU campus to relocate the leopard, though Mr. Vivek suggests that maintaining a clean environment to deter stray dogs is a more effective long-term solution. Separately, a stray elephant was recently sighted on the Tirumala ghat road, prompting further wildlife concerns in the region. Forest department officials are working to guide the elephant back into the forest.
First Piper 