Leopard Alert in Pilibhit: Two Big Cats Spotted Near District Collector's Office
The presence of two adult leopards in close proximity to the Pilibhit district collectorate campus has triggered significant concern among local residents and administrative officials. This alarming situation unfolded after forest department teams confirmed the movement of the wild animals late on Saturday night, following reports from the nearby Bakhshpur village.
Forest Team Investigation and Evidence
Acting on information provided by residents of Bakhshpur village, which is situated a mere 500 meters from the collectorate, a specialized field team led by Deputy Range Officer Sher Singh conducted a thorough inspection of the area at 10 PM. During their investigation, the team identified distinct pug marks measuring 9 by 9 centimeters, a clear indicator that the leopards are fully grown adults. This discovery has heightened the urgency of the situation, prompting immediate action from wildlife authorities.
High-Risk Location and Safety Concerns
The district collectorate campus is strategically located in a densely populated zone, flanked by the officers' colony on one side and the reserve police lines and police colony on the other. Adding to the risk is its proximity to the Khakra river, a natural corridor that leopards and tigers frequently use for dispersal when they venture outside forest boundaries. This geographical factor has raised serious safety concerns, as the animals' movement patterns could lead to potential human-wildlife conflicts in the area.
Official Response and Mitigation Measures
In response to the crisis, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) Field Director Pinaki Prasad Singh personally visited the site to assess the situation. He has directed forest staff to deploy two cages equipped with live bait in an effort to safely capture the leopards. District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh has also taken serious cognizance of the matter, instructing forest authorities to mobilize special teams tasked with tracking and rescuing the animals using advanced darting procedures to ensure minimal harm.
Community Safety and Wildlife Coexistence
Divisional Forest Officer Bharat Kumar DK has emphasized the importance of coexistence with wildlife while prioritizing public safety. He has issued comprehensive safety guidelines to villagers, advising them on precautionary measures to prevent conflicts. Deputy Range Officer Sher Singh provided additional context, noting that the leopards were responsible for killing stray dogs in Rampuria village, approximately one kilometer from Bakhshpur, four to five days prior to their movement toward the collectorate. This pattern of behavior underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive intervention to safeguard both human and animal welfare.
