Raja Zaid
Shopian, May 30: Panic gripped parts of south Kashmir’s Shopian district after two separate leopard-related incidents were reported within hours, prompting wildlife authorities to launch rescue and tracking operations.
In the first incident, a mother leopard and her three cubs were successfully rescued by the Wildlife Department in Sedow village following an overnight operation.
Officials said residents spotted three leopard cubs roaming near a residential area on Friday afternoon and alerted the Wildlife Control Room. A team from the Wildlife Department rushed to the spot and secured the cubs by late evening.
Anticipating the return of the mother leopard, officials installed drop-cages at the site and maintained continuous surveillance throughout the night. The mother leopard was eventually trapped safely in the early hours of Saturday at around 4:00 am.
Wildlife Warden Suhail Ahmad Wagay said the mother leopard and her cubs were rescued without injury and would be handled as per established wildlife conservation protocols.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 45-year-old farmer was injured after being attacked by a leopard while working in his orchard in the Awneera area of Wachi in Zainapora.
The injured man was rescued by locals and shifted to Sub-District Hospital Zainapora for treatment. Hospital officials said he sustained injuries to his face and is presently in stable condition.
Following the attack, Wildlife Department teams launched a search operation in the area to trace and capture the leopard involved.
The Wildlife Department has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid crowding around operation sites, and keep children indoors until the search operation is completed. Officials also appealed to the public to cooperate with rescue teams to ensure both public safety and the successful handling of wildlife encounters.