A deadly leopard attack on a goat shelter in a Bahraich village has left a farmer reeling from significant losses. The incident, which highlights the growing human-animal conflict near forested areas, occurred on Sunday night but was discovered only on Monday morning.
Night of Terror in Sujauli Village
The attack took place in Sujauli village, located in the Bahraich district. The leopard targeted a shelter belonging to local farmer Manish Maurya, who rears his goats close to the forest area near Sotiya Nala. Under the cover of darkness, the predator entered the enclosure and launched a brutal assault on the herd.
Heavy Toll on Livestock
The aftermath of the leopard attack was grim. The big cat mauled nearly two dozen goats, resulting in a heavy casualty count. Thirteen goats were killed in the raid, while six others sustained serious injuries. The injured animals are currently receiving treatment from veterinary doctors, who are working to save them.
Response and Ongoing Conflict
Upon discovering the scene on Monday morning, the shocked farmer and villagers immediately informed the forest department. Officials are now aware of the incident, which underscores the persistent danger faced by communities living on the fringes of wildlife habitats. Such attacks are a stark reminder of the challenges in managing the interface between human settlements and forest territories.
The incident in Bahraich is not isolated and points to a larger issue of shrinking animal corridors and habitat, which forces wildlife like leopards to venture closer to human dwellings in search of prey, often targeting livestock.
