Leopard captured in Bahraich after weeks of prowling village livestock areas

A male leopard estimated to be six to seven years old has been successfully captured in Bahraich district's Katarniaghat Wildlife Division and will be released back into its natural habitat after health clearance, forest officials confirmed.

The leopard was trapped in a cage installed in the Kakraha Range area under the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division. The animal had been moving continuously around Majra Ramsahay Purwa in Gram Panchayat Gopiya and nearby areas, prompting multiple complaints from local residents about livestock being hunted and the frequent presence of the big cat.

During morning patrol rounds, forest officials were regularly finding leopard paw marks, which had created an atmosphere of fear among the villagers. Local residents had submitted both written and oral requests to the forest department to capture the leopard due to safety concerns.

Keeping in view the safety of villagers and wildlife control measures, a cage was installed in the area on 9 September, 2026. After continuous monitoring, the leopard was successfully trapped in the cage early morning today, 14 September, 2026, at approximately 2:45 am. After being captured, the leopard was taken to a safe location.

According to the preliminary examination conducted by the department, the leopard is a male with an estimated age of six to seven years. The animal weighs approximately 45 to 50 kilograms. Dr. Deepak, the veterinarian, carried out a detailed health examination of the leopard, in which the animal was found to be completely healthy and suitable to be rehabilitated and released in the wild area.

The leopard will be released soon in its safe natural habitat in a dense forest area after obtaining necessary permissions from higher authorities and as per the standards laid down by the government.

To prevent human-leopard conflict, the Forest Department has issued important precautions and suggestions for all area residents and villagers, urging them to exercise caution and vigilance. To reduce the possibility of conflict with leopards or other wild animals, residents are requested to pay special attention to the following points.

People should move in groups and not venture out alone in the morning and evening, especially in the dark. When going to fields or deserted roads, always go in a group of two to three people and carry a stick in hand.

Residents should not go out in the open for defecation and should use toilets built inside homes.

Use of light and sound is essential. While walking in fields or on roads at night, definitely use a torch and talk loudly, sing songs or walk while banging a stick on the ground so that wildlife becomes alert and moves away.

For the safety of cattle, tie your animals and livestock securely inside the pen and arrange adequate lighting in the pen.

Take care of children. Do not let small children go out of the house alone and keep a constant watch on them.

Clean bushes regularly around your homes and cattle sheds so that wild animals do not get a place to hide.

Avoid rumors and excitement. If you see a leopard or any violent wild animal, do not try to surround it, provoke it or throw stones at it. Give the wild animal a way out and immediately inform the forest department.

Give immediate information. If any wildlife activity is seen around residential areas, immediately notify the nearest forest staff or range office.

The forest department team is continuously patrolling the area and keeping a close watch on the situation, the statement issued by the Divisional Forest Officer of Katarniaghat Wildlife Division, Bahraich, said.