Local people in a village near Lien Khuong Airport in Lam Dong Province are concerned about the night-time loss of cattle and poultry to two wild animals out looking for food.

 Animals footprints

Fearing that the animals might be tigers or panthers, most farmers in Nghia Hiep Village, Duc Trong District now return home earlier than usual and stay home at night. Several households have already sent their children away to their relatives' homes in nearby towns. "How can we feel safe if the government doesn't do something quickly?"

Mong Ngoc Bich, a local in Nghia Hiep Village said the bigger animal is about one metre long, has gray fur and it is really fast. The smaller animal only just appeared on September 16. Le Xuan Tinh, another local also said he saw a big animal eat a goose near his garden at 9pm. When he called out, the animal ran away.

Many footprints with claw marks have appeared  in the surrounding area. The footprints often have a diameter as large as 13cm. The forest ranger also confirmed the presence of two animals and gave out warnings to the people who live nearby.

The footprint

Ly Cong Gin, a local in Nghia Hiep Village said when his poultry were attacked on September 11, his dog seemed to be scared of the animal and hid under the bed. On the next day, all five of his geese were gone. Only the big footprints of the attacking animals were left behind.

Most villagers think that the animals are a mother and child leopard couple. "Many dogs run away when the animals come near so they must be leopards." they said.

Rumours started flying everywhere once the animals appeared. Some even said it's all because Ly Cong Gin dared the animals to come and eat his geese.

Vo Danh Tuyen, deputy head of Lam Dong Province Forest Protection Department said they are sending the samples of discovered footprints to Cuc Phuong National Park. However, depending on the foot size and villagers' descriptions, the two animals are either Asian golden cats or leopards.

The head of Lien Khuong Airport said they will tighten security around the airport.