Mysuru: Forest department officials Saturday issued an advisory to residents following Friday’s leopard sighting in a residential area of Mysuru.The three-year-old leopard was seen moving through a locality on the city’s outskirts near Chamundi Hills. The animal did not attack any person or animal, but residents in the area reported feeling afraid after the sighting.Officials urged people not to panic and to remain calm if they spot a leopard. The advisory comes amid earlier incidents in Mysuru. About three months ago, a leopard entered the premises of the commissioner of police’s residence, causing panic among police personnel. Forest staff searched the campus and later declared it free of the animal after CCTV footage showed the leopard entering and leaving on its own.Forest personnel also cautioned residents against confusion and false alarms. In a recent case, a reported leopard sighting near an apartment complex was later identified as a German Shepherd dog. Officials said such reports divert time and resources during emergency responses.Residents also recalled similar sightings about 15 years ago near RK Functional Hall in NR Mohalla and in the Jockey Quarters area, when large crowds gathered, and forest staff had to intervene to ensure safety.Deputy conservator of forests (wildlife) IB Prabhugouda, who heads the Mysuru–Mandya leopard task force, said 219 leopards have been rescued in the two districts over the past three years, including one from Siddaratha Layout on April 17. Many of them were released back into forests, while some remain in care centres.BOXRescued leopard under observationThe three-year-old leopard rescued from a house in Siddaratha Layout in east Mysuru Friday is under observation at the Chamundi Wildlife Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Koorgahalli. Forest officials have collected blood samples for testing and said a decision on whether to release the animal back into the wild or keep it in captivity will be taken based on the results. DCF (wildlife) IB Prabhugouda said the leopard appears normal and is eating well, but its temperament and health will continue to be monitored before a final decision is taken.
