When a Leopard Attacks, What Should You Do?

Killing isn’t the only solution to finding a leopard in your neighbourhood – you have other options.

(Image: Altered by The Quint)

When villagers came across a leopard in a Gurgaon village on Thursday, they were scared. A large crowd gathered, cornering the creature, and eventually beating it to death. Seven people were injured in the process.

This scenario repeats itself on a monthly basis. Leopards, whose habitats are being cleared and built upon, have nowhere to go – so they enter human settlements. The outcome is usually bloody. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how to deal with the situation:

There are ways to discourage leopards from coming into your neighbourhood. You can start by making sure you clear garbage off the streets, which attracts dogs, cats and livestock, and in turn, draws in hungry leopards.

If you do spot a leopard, try not to panic. Leopards are scared of humans, so unless they feel they have no other option, they will run away.

It’s best to avoid forming large crowds around a wild animal, because that will just make it panic more. Then, when you get the chance, call the forest department and the police, or a local conservation group.

There are ways to co-exist with animals, we just have to learn how.

Video Editor: Sunil Goswami