Photo for representational purpose.
Panic gripped Valparai and Kundadam in nearby Tirupur District, after villagers spotted leopards in the area, police said today.
Estate workers in Valparai, coming under Anamalai Tiger Reserve noticed three leopards crossing a rivulet and entering the estate on Saturday evening, police said.
However, some anti-poaching squad members managed to chase away the carnivores into the jungles, even as the workers remained apprehensive.
Forest department officials claimed that leopards might have entered the human habitat to hunt dogs and other pets, and cautioned workers against venturing out late in the evening.
Similarly, villagers in Kundadam in Tirupur District also suspected the movement of leopard, as a goat was dragged and killed by some unknown animal, police said.
Forest department officials confirmed the presence of leopard, after finding pug marks,even as steps are being taken to prevent the animal straying into human habitat from upper forest area, they said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)