Wild animal sighted in Kavali

Forest officials are confused whether the animal is a cheetah or hyna; it killed a deer ten days ago

Nellore: People of Kavali rural mandal are gripped in fear as they reportedly found a big cat or a hyna on the prowl in the mandal. A deer was killed ten days ago at Chalamcherla village and the villagers informed forest officials who collected pugmarks of the animal and yet to confirm it.

They deployed teams for searching the animal but failed to trace it. Officials claim that the place is not suitable for dwelling of such wild animals since the villages are close to coast. But, there are chances that these animals travel from upland forest areas through canals for deer and other prey. They return to their native lands after attacking the animals, forest officials say. Summing it up, K L Narasimha Rao, Kavali Forest Range Officer, said that they have yet to come to a conclusion whether it was a cheetah or a hyna.

Normally, wild animals move along Manneru stream for prey. They urged villagers not to panic and advised them to alert officials as soon as they sight movement of any animal. However, villagers of Kothur, Chalamacherla, Adavi Lakshmipuram of Kavali Rural Mandal are spending some sleepless nights.

Earlier, villagers of Chinnapavani, Peddapavani, Gudlur of Linasamudram mandal in Prakasam district which is close to the Manneru catchment area have also identified pugmarks of a cheetah. Prakasam District Forest officials also confirmed it.

“We are now collecting pugmarks of the animal and still there is a confusion on the animal. Our field staff members are asking the villagers not panic,” said Narasimha Rao.