Leopard Sightings in Kanchanpur's Community Forest Cause Concern Among Locals

Kanchanpur: Residents of Kanchanpur district have expressed alarm following reports of a leopard roaming in the community forest. The predator has been spotted in the communal forests of Rajghat, Punarwas, Belauri, and other areas, with locals reportedly fearful after it attacked livestock in a village.

In response, State Assembly member Om Vikram Bhat "Saral" has led an initiative to install four automatic cameras in the community to determine whether the animal is a leopard or a tiger. The cameras have been placed in Vanadevi Community Forest and Sita Community Forest by the Division Forest Office Kanchanpur, with the assistance of the National Nature Conservation Fund.

Following the installation of the cameras, Bhat urged locals to remain vigilant. He advised them to be cautious while venturing into the forest or staying at home, as the leopard currently attacking livestock could also pose a threat to humans. Referring to a similar situation in Baitadi, Bhat cautioned that leopards had been known to attack humans and appealed to the community to assist by providing wood to those with weak housing.