SRINAGAR: The wildlife department clarified on Friday that the animal sighted in the Zakura area of Srinagar was a wild cat (Felis chaus).
A senior wildlife official said that following reports and CCTV footage suggesting the presence of a leopard-like animal in the vicinity, a team was promptly dispatched to verify the claim during the night hours.
“After thorough spot verification and cross-checking of CCTV videos, it was established that the animal sighted in Bilal Colony, Zakura, was indeed a wild cat,” the official confirmed.
Furthermore, the official said that samples of the animal’s pug marks were collected and compared with earlier recordings from the Elahibagh area. The analysis led to the conclusion that the same wild cat had been previously observed in Elahibagh and surrounding areas.
“It is now confirmed that there was no leopard in the area. Our observations indicate that this is the same wild cat, which has been roaming in the vicinity. We are taking measures to trap the animal by placing a cage,” the official added. (KNO)
