Wildlife dept clarifies, says not leopard, but wild cat spotted in Zakura, Sgr

Srinagar, Apr 19: The wildlife department on Friday clarified that the animal spotted in Zakura area was wild cat (Felis chaus).

A senior wildlife official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that following the report, along with CCTV footage, suggesting the presence of a leopard-like animal in the vicinity; a team was promptly dispatched to verify the claim during the night hours.

“After thorough spot verification and cross-checking of CCTV videos, it was established that the animal sighted in Bilal Colony Zakura was indeed a wild cat,” the official confirmed.

The official stated that, furthermore, samples of the animal's pug marks were collected and compared with earlier recordings from Elahibagh area and that the analysis led to the conclusion that the same wild cat had been previously observed in Elahibagh and surrounding areas.

“It is now confirmed that there was no leopard in the area. Our observations indicate that this is the same wild cat, which has been roaming in the vicinity. We are taking measures to trap the animal by placing a cage,” the official added.

The official said that the clarification by wildlife should end the panic in the area, urging residents to maintain caution always during morning and evening hours while venturing out.