A leopard was spotted in Etawah late Saturday night, causing fear among locals. The big cat was seen in the Bais Khwaja area, where a passerby managed to click a photo of it.
The eyewitness said he was riding his bike with a friend near Numaish Maidan intersection, heading towards Lion Safari, when something suddenly crossed their path. He stopped the bike and took a picture with his phone. When he zoomed in, he was shocked to see a leopard in the image.
This sighting comes after a leopard cub was recently caught in a government school in Chakarnagar and taken to Etawah Lion Safari. Since then, forest officials suspect the cub’s family may be roaming nearby.
Increased Surveillance & Safety Steps
To ensure public safety, the forest department has:
- Deployed special teams to track the leopard’s movements.
- Installed camera traps in key locations.
- Advised locals to keep livestock secure at night.
- Warned people to avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas, especially during dawn and dusk when leopards are most active.
Officials believe the leopard may be the mother searching for her cub, now kept at the Lion Safari. A 24-hour helpline has been set up for reporting wildlife sightings.
Awareness & Precautions
The forest team is conducting awareness programs in nearby villages, teaching people how to react if they encounter the leopard. Other safety steps include:
- Installing better street lighting in high-risk zones.
- Clearing thick bushes where the leopard might hide.
- Monitoring schools and public places during early mornings and evenings.
Authorities have urged people not to spread rumors and stay calm. Krishna Chandra Shekhar, warden of the National Chambal Sanctuary, assured that trained teams are ready to handle emergencies while balancing wildlife safety and public security.
What’s Next?
The forest team is trying to safely capture the leopard and release it back into a protected forest area. Meanwhile, locals are being educated on how to handle such situations.
Conclusion
While leopard sightings are rare in Etawah, this incident reminds us of the importance of wildlife conservation and safety measures. Authorities are doing their best to handle the situation, and villagers must stay alert without spreading unnecessary fear.
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