Guwahati: Residents of Jhagrarpar, a locality near Dhubri town in Assam, are grappling with heightened anxiety after CCTV footage surfaced early this morning, unequivocally confirming the presence of a leopard near a residential property.
The visual evidence has substantiated long-held suspicions among locals about the elusive big cat, amplifying fears of a potential human-wildlife confrontation.
Further validating the animal’s foray into human territory, fresh paw prints were discovered in close proximity to the same area. This tangible proof has prompted residents, who were already unsettled by unverified sightings, to restrict their movements during the early morning and late evening hours, prioritising the safety of their families and domestic animals.
The Dhubri Forest Department acted promptly following the reports, deploying a team to the site without delay. A comprehensive search operation has been initiated, with officials diligently working to track the leopard. Their primary objective is to tranquillise and safely relocate the animal should the situation necessitate it. In the interim, authorities have issued an urgent appeal to residents, advising them to remain vigilant, steer clear of isolated areas, and promptly report any subsequent sightings. While leopards are typically not aggressive unless provoked or perceive a threat, the close proximity of such an encounter in a populated zone considerably elevates the risk of injury or panic-driven incidents.
As of now, no attacks or injuries have been reported, a fact that forest officials are keen to maintain. They underscored that curtailing human-leopard interaction is now the paramount concern. The department is also undertaking an assessment to determine if factors such as habitat degradation or a scarcity of food sources might be compelling the leopard to venture closer to human habitations.
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