Leopard Captured After Fatal Attack on Child in Uttar Pradesh Village
A leopard responsible for the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl in Sidhauna village, Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh, has been successfully captured by forest officials. The incident occurred on March 25 when the animal dragged the child from her home, sparking widespread anger among local residents.
Details of the Attack and Capture
The young victim was playing in her courtyard when the leopard seized her by the neck. The body could only be sent for autopsy 18 hours after her death, highlighting delays that fueled community outrage. In response, forest authorities launched an intensive operation to trap the predator.
Officials deployed five cages with live bait and installed 10 camera traps to monitor the area. Four specialized teams, including trained big cat trackers equipped with protective gear, maintained constant surveillance on the leopard's movements. The animal was finally trapped around midnight on Saturday.
Identification and Health Assessment
Forest Range Officer Bhupendra Kumar Singh provided details on the captured leopard. The animal was identified as an adult male, estimated to be five to six years old. A medical examination conducted by veterinary officers from the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve confirmed that the leopard is healthy, with no visible injuries or deformities. After capture, it was fed 2 kg of mutton.
Singh added that prior to its capture, the leopard had attempted to enter two more houses and target children on Saturday. Alert teams managed to prevent further attacks, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Decision to Relocate the Leopard
Uttar Pradesh's Chief Wildlife Warden Anuradha Vemuri explained the rationale behind relocating the animal. Given the leopard's repeated entry into homes, aggressive behavior, and the ongoing risk to human safety, it was decided to shift it to the Lucknow Zoo under veterinary supervision. This move aims to ensure public safety and reassure residents in the affected village.
The capture operation highlights the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in regions near forest areas, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect both communities and wildlife.
