Mon Jun 30 08:50:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Residents of Arepalayam and Ongalwadi near Hasanur are experiencing increased leopard attacks on livestock, leading to fear and reluctance to venture outdoors. The attacks, which include incidents in broad daylight, have targeted farms near the forest boundary. The Forest Department has issued warnings, increased patrolling, and is conducting awareness campaigns to prevent further incidents. Drone surveillance is planned to monitor wildlife movement, and residents are advised not to leave livestock in farmland overnight.
**News Article:**
**Leopard Attacks Spark Fear in Hasanur Villages**
**Hasanur, June 30, 2025** – Residents of Arepalayam and Ongalwadi, villages near Hasanur, are living in fear following a surge in leopard attacks on livestock over the past month. Four cows, one buffalo, and ten hens have been killed, primarily on farmlands bordering the forest. A daylight attack on a cow on June 28th has heightened anxiety, causing many to avoid leaving their homes, even during the day.
In response, the Forest Department has issued warnings urging residents to stay away from farmlands, especially at night. The Hasanur Forest Division has increased patrols in the affected villages to prevent wild animals from wandering into settlements.
“We are conducting awareness campaigns to advise residents against entering the reserve forest area at night,” said Yogesh Kumar Garg, District Forest Officer of Hasanur Division and Deputy Director of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). “Our forest staff are continuously monitoring vulnerable areas, and we urge the public not to panic.”
To further address the issue, the Forest Department plans to implement drone surveillance during evening hours along the forest boundary to track wildlife movement. Officials are advising residents not to leave livestock in farmlands overnight, as they become easy targets for predators.
First Piper 