
Residents of Upper Ashpir in Sopore are on edge after a leopard was seen near the Open Air Gym Park. The Municipal Council Sopore issued a public notice on Friday saying people…
Residents of Upper Ashpir in Sopore are on edge after a leopard was seen near the Open Air Gym Park. The Municipal Council Sopore issued a public notice on Friday saying people have reported leopard movement around the park since Thursday.

The Wildlife Department has begun an investigation to confirm the animal's presence and movement. As a precaution, the park has been closed until the situation is clarified. Authorities are monitoring the area and will take further steps based on the findings.
Parents have been advised not to bring children to the park until further notice. Residents have been asked to stay alert and report any further sightings to the authorities. The Municipal Council said public safety is the priority and appealed for cooperation.
Leopard sightings in Kashmir's towns have become more common as forest cover shrinks and animals stray into human settlements. The Sopore area saw similar incidents earlier this year, though no attacks were reported. The Wildlife Department's investigation will determine if the animal is still nearby or has moved on. If confirmed, a cage or tranquillisation team may be deployed. For now, the key signal is whether the park reopens within a week or if sightings continue, indicating the leopard has settled in the vicinity.
Source: greaterkashmir.com
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