SRINAGAR: Wildlife authorities on Thursday successfully captured a leopard that had been roaming in residential areas of Doda town, triggering fear among locals for the past several days. The operation was launched after multiple sightings of two leopards caused panic among the population.
Officials said that the Wildlife Department, assisted by local police and forest guards, intensified search operations early in the morning to ensure public safety. “We intensified the operation keeping the safety of locals in mind. The team successfully captured one of the leopards today,” said a senior wildlife official.
He confirmed that the captured leopard was tranquillised and later relocated to Kishtwar, where it will be kept under observation.
However, the official added that the search operation is still underway to locate and capture the second leopard believed to be moving through forested and semi-urban areas on the town’s outskirts.
“The teams are using cages and tranquilliser guns at strategic locations to ensure the second animal is safely caught without endangering the public,” Lal said.
The authorities have appealed to locals to remain alert and avoid venturing out during early morning and late evening hours, particularly in areas close to forest boundaries. [KNT]
