Nainital Leopard Captured After String of Fatal Attacks
Forest department teams captured a leopard in Nainital district early Wednesday morning. Officials suspect this animal killed three women in separate attacks over recent weeks. The successful operation ended an intensive two-week search across difficult terrain.
Intensive Search Operation Yields Results
Forest teams deployed more than 50 camera traps and over 10 cages along suspected leopard routes. They monitored movement in real time while working in shifts across challenging landscapes. The operation focused on Dhari, Okhalkanda and Ramgarh blocks where attacks created widespread panic.
"We intensified patrolling and surveillance across vulnerable areas after the deaths," explained Nainital District Forest Officer Aakash Gangwar. "Capturing this animal was crucial for public safety."
DNA Testing to Confirm Involvement
Officials collected DNA samples from the tranquilized leopard. These tests will determine whether this specific animal participated in the fatal attacks. The leopard now resides at a forest department rescue center for medical evaluation.
This capture follows another leopard trapping on January 2nd in a different forest-fringe area of Nainital district. Forest officials will compare samples from both animals to establish whether one or both leopards were responsible for the attacks.
Precautionary School Closures Ordered
District authorities ordered a three-day closure of all educational institutions across affected blocks. This includes Anganwadi centers and schools. The precaution aims to reduce risk to children and staff while forest teams continue operations.
"Given the heightened leopard activity, this was a precaution to reduce risk to children and staff while teams were still operating in the area," explained an official familiar with the decision.
Local Residents Express Ongoing Concerns
Residents remain cautious despite the successful capture. "We want to know for sure that this is the one responsible," said Ramesh Bisht, an Okhalkanda resident. "Fear will subside only once we have confirmation."
Another Dhari resident expressed similar concerns: "Even if one leopard is caught, others may still be nearby. We avoid going out after dark."
Continued Monitoring and Public Alert
Forest officials maintain heightened vigilance across the region. "People should remain alert," warned a senior forest officer. "There may be other leopards in the surrounding forests. We are continuing monitoring and patrolling."
The same surveillance strategy that led to this capture also resulted in the January 2nd leopard trapping. Both operations demonstrate the forest department's commitment to addressing wildlife threats while balancing conservation needs with public safety concerns.
