Residents near Marayeepalayam hillock in Punjai Puliyampatti, Sathyamangalam, are scared due to repeated leopard sightings. The hillock covers 144 hectares. The first leopard appeared in early December 2025. A week later, two leopards were seen there. Forest staff from the Vilamundi Forest Range Office under Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve placed three baited cages, installed five camera traps, and used drones to find the animals. They also combed the rocky hillock full of boulders. Despite this, the leopards were not caught. On January 20, 2026, a leopard was spotted climbing down a boulder, adding to the local alarm. A Forest Department official said, "The leopards continue to use the boulders as their hideout and feed on wild boars that are present in large numbers in the hillock." The official also said, "The bait placed in the cages remained untouched and that, despite sustained efforts, the leopards could not be tracked." Fear remains high as the animals roam freely near homes.