Three Leopard Cubs Rescued, Search Underway for Mother

SRINAGAR: The Department of Wildlife Protection has successfully rescued three leopard cubs in the Lurgam area of Tral, located in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The cubs, discovered without their mother nearby, were rescued following timely information from locals and a prompt response by the wildlife officials.

Departmental sources said that the young cubs appeared to be recently separated from their mother, raising concerns about their vulnerability and the potential for human-wildlife conflict in the area. Upon receiving the alert, a team was dispatched to the site and safely secured the cubs after careful handling.

The department has confirmed that the cubs are in good health and have been shifted to a nearby wildlife care facility, where they will be kept under close observation by trained veterinarians and wildlife experts.

Meanwhile, efforts are currently underway to trace the mother leopard, who is believed to be roaming in the same forested vicinity. Officials are using tranquillising equipment and monitoring techniques to ensure she is located safely without posing any threat to human settlements.

Residents of Lurgam and nearby areas have been urged to remain alert and report any sightings of the leopard immediately to the authorities. The department has also appealed to people to avoid venturing into dense vegetation and forest edges during this period.

A senior wildlife official stated that the area continues to be under active surveillance and all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent any incidents of human-wildlife conflict. (KNT)