Racing bike mows down leopardess in Shivamogga

Shivamogga: A leopardess was killed after being hit by a motorcycle near the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp on the outskirts of Shivamogga on Friday afternoon.While small animals are frequently killed in this area, the death of a sub-adult leopardess — allegedly struck by a high-end racing bike while crossing the road during the day — has caused shock. The rider is currently hospitalised. However, the motorcycle, valued at approximately Rs 12 lakh, has been seized.The incident has sparked a fresh debate over wildlife safety in animal corridors and reckless driving on highways. It is believed that the biker was speeding when he hit the leopardess, killing it on the spot. The accused, from Koppa taluk, has not yet been interrogated or identified by the forest department as he is still undergoing treatment. Authorities are preparing to book him under the Wildlife Protection Act.DCF (Shivamogga Wildlife) Prasanna Krishna Patgar confirmed that the Sakrebailu RFO has seized the bike and that the department will initiate a detailed investigation. The DCF also noted that the leopardess had recently been captured on tiger census cameras.Chirag, an activist from Rainland Trust, blamed the incident on poor highway management and the lack of safety measures for wildlife. He said the leopardess was likely crossing the road to access water from Tunga River. The Sakrebailu area lies within the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephant movement is currently high.Leopard spotted on cameraIn a separate incident, a leopard was captured on a mobile phone camera in Hasirumane village, under Agumbe gram panchayat, as it picked up a farm chicken and walked away calmly in broad daylight. A villager said the reckless disposal of dead chickens by a local poultry farmer has been attracting the predator.In response, the forest department is planning to install a trap cage in the area.