Surveillance camera confirms presence of leopard in Mattathur in Keralam - The HinduUpdated - September 22, 2026 07:47 pm IST - ThrissurThe Forest Department has confirmed that a leopard killed a pet dog at Mankoottyppadam in Mattathur panchayat, raising concern among residents and rubber tappers in the area.Forest officials said a leopard was captured on a camera trap installed near the spot following the incident. The dog was found dead in the early hours of September 15 near a rubber plantation adjoining the forest at Mankoottyppadam. The dog belonged to Kuttiyara Paulose, a nearby landowner, and had been tethered on his property. It was reportedly dragged to the adjoining rubber plantation after being attacked. Parts of the carcass had been eaten.Suspecting the presence of a leopard, Forest Department personnel installed surveillance cameras in the area. The animal was captured on camera the following day, officials said. However, repeated checks over the next four to five days did not record any further sighting.Officials suspect that the leopard may have moved to another area.Meanwhile, a local resident had reportedly spotted a leopard crossing the road at Chelakkattukara near Moonnumuri around four days ago. Residents of Mankoottyppadam have also reported instances of pet dogs going missing from the area.With the leopard’s presence now confirmed, residents have been advised to exercise caution. Rubber tappers working in plantations in the area are particularly apprehensive as they have to reach their workplaces in the early hours of the morning.Forest officials are continuing to monitor the area through camera traps to ascertain the leopard’s movement.Published - September 22, 2026 07:44 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }