Nanjangud: Wild animals, which were earlier spotted in rural places and agricultural fields, are now being spotted in urban places with the latest being a leopard spotted at Vokkalageri in the town causing fear among the residents.

The leopard was spotted by a few youths, who were celebrating the arrival of the New Year last evening near Rama Mandira in Vokkalageri. When the youths began to scream, the leopard is said to have ran towards the bushes and disappeared.

The youths, who informed the residents, also brought it to the notice of Police, who rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection. The Cops also made announcements through public address system asking the residents not to venture out of the house as a leopard was spotted in the area. Panicked residents rushed into their houses for safety.

River Gundlu flows near the area and two deer were spotted near the river a few days ago and it is learnt that the two deer were spotted moving around. The leopard may have come to hunt the deer, suspected the Police and Forest Officials.