Pulwama, May 15, KNT: Panic gripped the Aligund locality of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after a leopard was spotted roaming near the village, with residents claiming the wild animal has made a den in the area.
According to villagers, the leopard has been frequently seen moving around the locality during recent days, creating fear among villagers, particularly during evening and night hours.
They claimed the animal is believed to be living inside a den located near the village outskirts.
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Following the reports, officials from the Wildlife Department visited the area and conducted an inspection after receiving information about the leopard’s presence.
Villagers alleged that the officials spotted the leopard during the visit but later left the area without capturing the animal, triggering concern among local residents who demanded immediate action to prevent any untoward incident.
When contacted, an official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that a specialized team equipped with necessary tools and trapping equipment would soon visit the locality to capture the leopard.
The official also advised people to avoid unnecessary movement outside their homes, particularly during early morning and evening hours, until the animal is safely captured.
Leopard sightings near human habitations are frequently reported in several forest-adjacent areas of Kashmir, especially during changing weather conditions and periods of reduced prey availability in the wild. [KNT]
