Leopard Succumbs to Injuries After Highway Collision in Jalandhar
A tragic incident unfolded near Goraya in Jalandhar when a leopard, which had strayed from its natural habitat, was fatally hit by a vehicle on the National Highway. The animal was first spotted on the main carriageway and later found lying injured on the slab of a rainwater drain along the service lane, close to the All India Radio transmission centre.
Forest Officials Respond to Emergency Call
Wild Life Range Officer Jaswant Singh reported that around 9 am, Forest Guard Malkiat Singh, stationed in Phillaur, received information about an injured leopard gasping for breath along the NH. As they rushed to the scene, they were informed ten minutes later that the leopard had died. Singh stated, "The leopard was apparently hit by a vehicle and sustained a head injury, leading to internal bleeding. We found its nails and teeth intact." The body was transported to the veterinary hospital in Goraya for a post-mortem examination.
Investigation into the Leopard's Straying Path
When questioned about how the leopard could have wandered so far from the wild, Jaswant Singh speculated that it might have originated from the wild areas along the Satluj river and then strayed further into human-inhabited zones. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Key Points from the Incident:- The leopard was first seen on the main highway carriageway before being found on the service lane.
- Forest officials confirmed the cause of death as a vehicle impact resulting in head trauma and internal bleeding.
- No external damage to the leopard's nails or teeth was observed, indicating it was not involved in a struggle prior to the accident.
- The post-mortem was conducted at Goraya's veterinary hospital to determine further details.
This unfortunate event underscores the need for increased awareness and measures to protect wildlife in areas where human development encroaches on natural habitats. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially in zones known for wildlife movement, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
