A leopard cub was found in a weak condition at a sugarcane field at Bharathipuram village in the Thalavadi Hills on Saturday (July 26, 2025).

The cub was spotted by workers in a field owned by a farmer named Subramani, who immediately alerted officials from the Thalavadi Forest Range under the Hasanur Forest Division.

Forest officials are closely monitoring the cub at the site, as they believe it may not be advisable to move it to the range office. “We have not disturbed the area where the cub was found to avoid leaving a human imprint. We expect the mother to return and take the cub with her,” said K. Rajkumar, Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

According to officials, the cub is a newborn and likely delivered in the field, as sugarcane crops often provide a safe and concealed environment for wild animals.

It may be recalled that a leopard had attacked a dog in the same field four days ago, sparking concern among local residents.