In Karauli district's Sapotra sub-division, villages bordering an old fort's forest patch are on edge after a leopard and her two cubs were spotted moving along the fort wall. The fort forest patch sits close to several villages in the sub-division, and word of the sighting spread quickly, unsettling residents nearby who now think twice before stepping outside after dark. The forest department immediately stepped up watch over the area once the news broke.
Two teams deployed to track the leopard's movements
As soon as officials learned of the leopard and her cubs, forest department staff swung into action. Two separate teams were posted inside the fort forest area, patrolling different stretches of the terrain around the clock. Their job is to track the leopard's movements closely and make sure she and her cubs do not wander toward any village or settlement. Forest workers have been combing the area day and night, watching for any sign that the animals might be heading out of the woods. In some spots, staff have burst firecrackers to keep the leopard from drifting toward habitation, hoping the loud noise would push her back into the forest. The department fears that a mother leopard traveling with two cubs could, at any point, head toward populated areas, which is why every possible step is being taken to keep the family confined to the forest.
Villagers cut back on visits to the fort and forest
Since news of the leopard and her cubs broke, locals have largely stopped visiting the fort and the adjoining forest. Residents are worried that a leopard protective of her cubs could stray toward the village, raising the risk of a dangerous encounter. Regional forest officer Anil Meena and naka in-charge Rajesh Meena said two teams were stationed in the fort forest area as soon as the sighting was reported, and forest staff have been told to stay alert at all times. According to them, the teams are patrolling and monitoring the area continuously so that any emergency can be dealt with right away and the situation stays under control.
Forest department's appeal to residents
The forest department has appealed to people living nearby to avoid entering the fort forest and the surrounding woodland. It has specifically advised against venturing into the forest alone, since a leopard with cubs can turn more alert and aggressive than usual. People have also been told not to approach, surround or provoke the leopard if they spot it. The department's advice is to inform forest officials immediately if the leopard is seen anywhere and to keep a safe distance, so that both people and wildlife stay safe.
