SRINAGAR: After reports emerged on social media regarding leopard sightings in the outskirts of Srinagar, specifically in the Rangpora and Elahibagh areas, the Jammu and Kashmir wildlife department officially confirmed the animal’s presence in the area on Saturday.
A senior wildlife official said that they have received “video evidence” of the leopard’s presence in the Malabagh area.
“People must be careful from now onwards. Children should not be allowed to move out, especially during morning and evening hours, and during the Fajar and Esha prayers, people should go in groups with sufficient lights,” the official warned.
The official further said that teams have been dispatched and cages are being installed at multiple locations in the area. Additionally, a drone survey will be carried out in the entire area.
“Teams have been deputed, and cages are being installed in Ahmadnagar, Rangpora, and Malabagh areas. Our department’s vehicles are patrolling and sensitising the area,” he said.
The official added that there is a high possibility that only one leopard is roaming in the area, noting that the animal typically roams within a territory with a radius of 20 km.
Meanwhile, residents of these areas are in a state of panic and have refrained themselves and their children from venturing out in the area. Several shopkeepers, have also closed down their shops out of fear of being attacked by the leopard—(KNO)
