Leopard Crisis Persists in UP Despite Mass Capture Operation

Residents across approximately 36 villages in Moradabad district are living in heightened alert as leopard encounters continue to pose a significant threat despite intensive capture efforts by forest officials. The situation has escalated to the point where villagers traversing sugarcane fields—a common occurrence in the agricultural region—now scan not only the pathways but also surrounding vegetation for signs of the big cats.

Forest department officials have ramped up their response with 46 traps now active across the affected areas. In addition to traditional cage traps, authorities have deployed drones for aerial surveillance and camera traps for continuous monitoring. So far, 26 leopards have been captured as part of the ongoing operation to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Despite these comprehensive measures, the persistent danger is underscored by a troubling casualty toll. Four people have lost their lives in leopard attacks within the vicinity, fueling ongoing anxiety among agricultural workers and residents who venture into fields and adjacent areas. The attacks underscore the challenges wildlife authorities face in managing large predator populations in regions where human settlements and animal habitats increasingly overlap.

The capture and relocation efforts reflect a broader strategy to reduce conflict between wildlife and human communities, though experts acknowledge that continued vigilance and community awareness remain critical as the operation progresses.