Leopard Sighting Triggers Panic in Tral’s Aligund Area, Residents Demand Immediate Action

SRINAGAR: Fear and panic have gripped the Aligund locality of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after a leopard was repeatedly spotted roaming near residential areas, with locals claiming the wild animal has made a den near the village outskirts.Residents said the leopard has been frequently seen moving around the locality during the past several days, especially during evening and night hours, creating serious concern among families and children.According to villagers, the animal is believed to be hiding inside a den located close to the habitation area, raising fears of a possible attack.Following the reports, officials from the Wildlife Department visited the area and carried out an inspection after receiving information about the leopard’s movement.However, locals alleged that despite spotting the leopard during the visit, the officials left the area without capturing the animal, further increasing panic among residents who demanded immediate intervention from the authorities.Speaking to Kashmir News Trust, a Wildlife Department official said a specialized rescue team equipped with trapping equipment and necessary tools would soon be deployed to safely capture the leopard.The department has also issued an advisory asking people to avoid unnecessary movement outside their homes during early morning and evening hours until the animal is traced and captured.Leopard sightings near residential areas have become increasingly common in several forest-adjacent regions of Kashmir due to changing weather conditions, habitat disturbance and reduced prey availability in the wild.