Leopard cub caught by locals in Pulwama village

PULWAMA — A leopard cub was caught by local residents in CB Nath Argicheck village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday.

“I went outside early in the morning and found the leopard cub. I immediately tried to catch it and also informed other villagers about it, who came and helped me catch it,” a local resident, Sajad Ahmad, said.

He added, “No official of Wildlife Department came here. However, the roads are not motorable due to heavy snowfall.”

What could be a major concern; the frequent snowfall this season has impacted the wild life and could lead to increase in man-animal conflict cases in Kashmir.

Kashmir has been facing frequent snowfall since January 3. The snowfall in the forests has led to food scarcity, forcing animals to go residential areas.

The Wildlife Department has issued an advisory, asking people to be cautions.

“Always move on regular forest paths and avoid shortcuts. Provide sufficient light around your utilities outside your home, so that animals do not feel safe in the vicinity,” the advisory said.