Forest Department placed a cage to trap a carnivorous animal near Sirumugai in Coimbatore on Wednesday. more-in Forest Department on Wednesday placed a trap at Mothepalayam village, near Sirumugai, in Coimbatore after a carnivore preyed on several domestic animals and livestock. According to the forest officials, the killer animal could be a leopard though it has not been confirmed. The trap was placed on Wednesday evening after several domestic animals and livestock belonging to villagers were killed by the unknown animal at night for two-three months. Sirumugai Forest Range Officer E.N. Manoharan said that the decision was taken in consultation from senior officials. Villagers have also been urging the department to capture the animal. The cage is kept in the border of Thennamalai hills, which is spread over 230 hectares and lying close to Mothepalayam hills. Though its a forest land, it is situated away from reserve forests of Sirumugai range. “Though spotted deer are found in large numbers at Thennamalai hills, the carnivore could have been attacking domestic animals looking for easy preys,” said Mr. Manoharan. A dog has been kept as lure inside the iron cage. Villagers thronged in large numbers as forest officials placed the trap. Though livestock like goats and cow calves were killed by the carnivore, dogs reared by villages were targeted in large numbers. A Rajapalayam breed dog was also recently killed and partially eaten by the animal.

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