Palakkad (Kerala) | The Forest Department on Sunday launched a search operation after a cow was suspected to have been killed by a leopard in Kanjikode here, officials said.

According to forest officials, the cow, owned by Suresh of Payattukad near Kanjikode, was found dead in its cattle shed in the morning.

Officials said injuries on the carcass raised suspicion that the animal had been attacked by a leopard.

A search operation was launched to ascertain whether a leopard was present in the area.

Forest officials said the locality is situated close to forest land and sightings of wild animals are frequent there.

The department has decided to take further steps, including installing camera traps, to verify the leopard’s presence.

If further attacks are reported, a cage trap will be installed to capture the animal and relocate it from the area, officials said.