According to sources, the Forest Department suspects that marmots in the form of an unknown animal had entered the Karadivivi Government Hospital in the district recently.
Footprints, pieces of broken glass and damaged computer cords were found by staff near the entrance of the hospital on 15 February. The staff informed the Kamanayakkanpalayam police and the forest department, who launched a probe to identify the animal that had entered the premises, sources said.
Sources claimed that with the samples collected from the hospital, the officials had ruled out leopard and suspected marmots, which were rodents.
Forest officials said vigil has been increased around Karadiwavi for movement of animals and people need not panic over intrusion by big cats.