Residents in Sri Lanka’s tea lands are living in constant fear of attacks by leopards that have grown in number over the years, a Wildlife official said on Saturday.
The tea lands being referred to are those mainly located in the central parts of the island-nation.
He said that at least two estate workers had been attacked by leopards hiding in the plush tea lands from the start of this year and this has led to a mounting fear by local residents.
The leopard population in the country is not known, but according to citing and tracking by officials they are believed to in their hundreds and roam mainly in the tea lands that has a soft weather atmosphere.
Leopards are known to attack cattle and stray dogs but there has been rare attacks on humans, the officials said.
Meanwhile, Wildlife life officials have advised to create a noise and frighten the animals.
“The leopard is a bashful animal that always attempts to avoid people but would attack should it sense imminent danger”, the official warned.
