Baramulla: Repeated leopard sightings in residential areas of Baramulla have disrupted normal life, with residents avoiding movement after dusk and shopkeepers closing their establishments early amid growing safety concerns.
Residents of Kanli Bagh, Noorbagh, Bowli, Kanli Bagh-B, Friends Colony, Bilal Colony, Sherbagh, Rangwar, Ushkara, Churrimarpora and adjoining areas said leopard movement has been reported repeatedly in recent weeks. A sighting was also reported from Baghat Colony in Kralhar along the National Highway.
Residents said the situation has raised particular concern for children, elderly people and those travelling during the evening or early morning hours.
Two sheep have reportedly been killed in leopard attacks, while a delivery worker was allegedly attacked by a leopard a few days ago. No human fatality has been reported so far.
CCTV footage showing suspected leopard movement at different locations has further heightened concern, residents said.
The repeated sightings have begun affecting daily activities, with residents saying evening movement has reduced significantly. Attendance at mosques during Isha and Fajr prayers has also reportedly declined in some areas as people avoid venturing out after dark.
Shopkeepers said they are also winding up business earlier than their normal closing hours, particularly as evening approaches.
The Wildlife Department has deployed teams to monitor the movement of the animals and capture them. Cages have been installed at several locations identified as possible leopard movement points.
Officials said wildlife teams are operating during both day and night and remain on alert. However, no leopard has been captured so far.
Wildlife officials have also indicated that sightings at multiple locations could point to the presence of more than one leopard in the affected areas. Teams are continuing efforts to establish the animals’ movement patterns and identify suitable locations for further trapping operations.
The Wildlife Department has advised residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary movement outside after dark.
Residents have called for intensified surveillance and faster capture operations, saying the continued presence of leopards in populated areas poses a growing risk of human-wildlife conflict.
For now, the repeated sightings have left several parts of Baramulla uptown unusually quiet after dusk, with residents largely choosing to remain indoors until the animals are captured.
