Shimla: Leopard Spotted in Navbahar, Panic in Residential Area as Winter Sightings Increase
A leopard caused panic in Navbahar, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. On the night of January 21, the leopard reached the second floor of a house in search of prey. After staying briefly, it returned to the forest. Earlier, a leopard was also spotted in the Ramnagar area. Winter has seen an increase in leopard sightings in urban parts of the city.
Experts say that leopards enter residential areas during winter due to several reasons, mainly food scarcity, shrinking natural habitats, and territorial disputes. Wild prey hides during winter and food in the forest becomes scarce, so leopards approach human settlements looking for easy prey such as pets and dogs. Urbanization and mining are further reducing their natural habitat. Experts note that leopards are opportunistic hunters, and easily accessible pets near human settlements provide them with easy meals. Water scarcity also draws wildlife, especially leopards, closer to populated areas in winter.
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