The Forest Department successfully captured a leopard in the Bhalra area of Doda district on July 4, 2026, after the animal had been on a prowl for several weeks. The leopard had recently injured a 15-year-old boy and killed dozens of domestic animals, including goats and sheep, creating panic among local residents.
Capture Operation Details
A team from the Kishtwar Forest Division, led by Range Officer Rajesh Sharma, set up a cage with bait near the village where the leopard was last spotted. The animal was trapped early in the morning and later transported to a wildlife rescue center in Kishtwar for medical examination and rehabilitation. According to Forest Officer Vikram Singh, the operation was conducted without any harm to the animal or the public.
Previous Incidents
The leopard had been active in the area for over a month. On June 25, it attacked a teenager who was grazing cattle near Bhalra village, leaving him with deep scratches on his arm and back. The boy was treated at the District Hospital Doda and is now recovering. Additionally, villagers reported that the leopard had killed at least 35 domestic animals, causing significant economic loss to local families. “We lost five goats in one night alone,” said villager Mohan Lal, a local farmer. The Forest Department had advised residents to stay indoors after sunset and to avoid moving alone in the forested areas.
Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Region
Doda district, located in the Jammu region, has witnessed increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict in recent years due to habitat loss and encroachment of forest land. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department, over 30 leopards have been captured in the region in the past two years, with many released into protected reserves. Environmentalists point to deforestation and unplanned construction as key drivers. “As forests shrink, leopards venture into villages in search of food,” said Dr. Anil Gupta, a wildlife biologist at the University of Jammu. The captured leopard will be kept under observation for a few days before being released into a suitable habitat away from human settlements.
Community Response and Future Measures
Villagers expressed relief after the capture but remain cautious. The Forest Department has announced plans to conduct awareness campaigns and install more camera traps to monitor wildlife movement. Compensation for the livestock losses has been promised under the state’s wildlife relief scheme. “We are happy the leopard is caught, but we need long-term solutions to prevent such incidents,” said village head Manoj Kumar. The department has also urged people not to feed wild animals or leave garbage that could attract them.
