Leopard Sighting in Murree Sparks Fear Among Local Residents
A leopard sighting in the lovely land of Murree Hill has scared the people of the nearby villages, raising issues of wildlife encroachment on human settlements.
As per local reports, leopards were sighted somewhere near Kuldana and other forest areas away in Murree. Terrified villagers recounted hearing growls in the dead hours of the night and finding animal prints around their houses, instilling fears that the animals might attack their livestock or even humans.
Authorities on Alert
The wildlife officials verified the leopard sighting, and they keep themselves updated with the situation evolving around it. The animal is being followed by a team from the Punjab Wildlife Department to ensure public safety.
“We ask that the public refrain from going out in forested areas alone, especially in the morning and in the evening, during the period that leopards are most active,” said a wildlife official. “There are land efforts underway to capture this beautiful animal and release it into a more suitable habitat.”
Villagers Demand Protection
A feeling of resentment has cropped up in the local communities for the absence of immediate intervention, while some have said that leopard sightings have increased with recent deforestation and urban expansion.
“We’ve seen leopards before, but this time it’s coming too close to our homes,” said Ahmed Khan, an inhabitant of one of the villages. “The government should take this seriously before someone gets hurt.”
Recommended Safety Measures
Authorities provided the following advice for the locals:
- Do not walk alone in forest areas after dark.
- Keep livestock inside a closed shelter.
- Report any sightings immediately to wildlife officials.
Leopard Conservation Concerns
Winning conservation status in Pakistan, the leopard was driven by habitat loss to mingle more often with the human populations. Environmentalists emphasize balanced conservation measures for wildlife as well as for human communities.
Meanwhile, the villagers remain under strain as the leopard hunt continues, wishing the tension between humans and wildlife resolved as soon as possible.
