If reports are to go by, the two cubs were taken away at night by the leopard, while one was left behind. Meanwhile the forest department also intervened and were hopeful that the cub left behind would be taken by its mother; they advised locals not to wander in the area. To ensure safety, the department also set up three camera traps in the area.
Negi further informed that they have urged villagers who still live there to be vigilant, especially after sunset. As per a local, a group of women that had gone to bring fodder for livestock had first seen the cubs, and also heard a leopardess roaring.
Bagri also added that as of now they are acting patiently, and that their focus is to send the cub into the wild, rather than giving it to a rescue centre or a zoo. Reportedly, the leopardess is still in the area, and chances are high that it would take the cub with it.
Reports also add that a month ago, a leopard had given birth to cubs in Pithoragarh's Silpada village, which caused a similar furore among the villagers.
The Wildlife Institute of India added that the trend of wild animals taking refuge in these abandoned structures to give birth to young ones owes to the fact that these can be seen as a safe haven by wild animals.
They further added that there is a significant (60%) rise in leopard population across the country, resulting in more big cats venturing near human settlements. It has to be noted that the state, other than its mountains, also has a terai region, which is a safe haven for big cats, including leopards and tigers.
