Leopard terrorizes people in Shanon Estate, Watawala

By Ranjith Rajapakse   

Upcountry leopards frequenting Shanon Estate in Watawala and  its environs have posed a serious threat to the lives of the workers  and the residents of the area.   
Estate Superintendent Arjuna Medawala said several leopards  have been frequenting the estate endangering the lives of the workers.  He said about ten pet dogs in houses had fallen prey to the leopards.  
The Estate Superintendent said particularly the workers  in the factory on night shift were risking their lives on their way to  the factory and back after work. He said a huge leopard was fast asleep  at the doorstep of his bungalow on Sunday night (15) and that it would  have preyed on his dog if not seen. He further said a leopard had  recently fallen into a well and drowned. He pointed out that the  leopards were facing the danger of being caught in traps laid by the  workers.   
Estate Superintendent Medawala requested the Wildlife  Conservation officers to drive away the leopards from the area to save  the lives of the people and the leopards as well.