Dehradun
With an increase in leopard attacks on humans in Uttarakhand, the state government is urging locals to cooperate in preventing human-wildlife conflicts. Night patrolling is intensified in vulnerable residential areas, and guidelines are issued to the public for safety. Cages are placed where leopard attacks have occurred, with continuous monitoring by divisional forest officers.
Several places, including Dehradun, Tehri, Pithoragarh, Pauri, Terai East, West, and Central, are identified as sensitive to human-wildlife conflicts. Recent incidents include a leopard attacking a 12-year-old in Dehradun and mauling a four-year-old in Udham Singh Nagar.
Residents in affected areas report fear, avoiding activities like morning walks, and shop closures due to the leopard threat. The forest department's advisory advises against solo ventures in wildlife areas, suggesting group travel. Caution is urged during sunset to sunrise, and children are encouraged to travel in groups to school. Carrying a stick is recommended, and if wild animals are encountered, maintaining a safe distance is crucial.
The advisory emphasizes regular pruning around habitats, adequate lighting, and proper garbage disposal to deter wildlife. Uttarakhand seeks community collaboration to mitigate human-leopard conflicts, focusing on public awareness and precautionary measures in affected regions.