Leopard caged in Bhimtal days after 2 deaths in animal attack

Nainital: Days after two people were killed in big-cat attacks, a leopard was captured overnight in a cage set up by the forest department in Mora village under Bhimtal block, officials said on Tuesday.Nainital DFO Aakash Gangwar said, “It is too early to confirm if the captured leopard is responsible for the deaths. A team will study its behaviour and carry out tests, including DNA sampling, before arriving at any conclusion. The leopard has been taken to the rescue centre in Rambagh and appears healthy, with no visible injuries.”Authorities have advised villagers not to go alone into forested or isolated areas, especially in the evening, and to keep a close watch on children. Schools and anganwadi centres were temporarily closed on April 25 and 27 on orders of the district administration.Locals say that despite several leopards and even a tiger being captured in recent months, they continue to live in fear as such attacks continue.