KAPkot, Bageshwar: Fear has intensified in Sumgarh after a leopard killed 8 goats belonging to 2 families, taking the number of goats lost in the area to 14 in 10 days. Residents say the attacks have placed the livelihoods of families dependent on goat rearing at risk.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday at around 7:30 AM in the evening in Baanse hamlet of Sumgarh gram panchayat, according to village head Bhupendra Koranga. The attack has left the affected families facing financial hardship and renewed concerns about safety in the village.
8 goats killed in latest attack
The leopard killed 5 goats belonging to goat rearer Jait Ram, including 7-year-old Lakkha. 3 goats belonging to Dayal Ram were also killed, including a 3-year-old goat.
Goat rearing is the main source of livelihood and employment for both families. Residents said the loss of the animals has created an immediate economic crisis for the affected households.
The earlier attack took place on 10 October, when the leopard killed 6 goats. Villagers said the animal has been seen moving around the village at night for several days, increasing anxiety among residents and livestock owners.
They have asked the administration and the Forest Department to provide suitable compensation to the affected families. They also want immediate measures to end the leopard’s presence around the settlement.
Fresh attack reported in Ratmatiya
Leopard activity has also caused concern in Ratmatiya village in the Garur area. A goat was taken while its owner was grazing livestock near the village.
The owner, Anand Singh, said he had taken his animals out as usual when the leopard, which had been hiding nearby, suddenly attacked and carried away the goat. Residents later found the animal’s mutilated carcass.
Villagers Manoj Bisht, Anand Singh and Mukesh Singh called for a cage to be installed near the village. They also demanded a firm operation to capture the leopard.
The 2 locations have reported separate incidents. The available information confirms the deaths of 14 goats in Sumgarh over 10 days and one additional goat killed in Ratmatiya, but it does not confirm whether the same leopard was involved in both places.
Conclusion
Repeated leopard attacks have caused fear among residents of Sumgarh and Ratmatiya while damaging livestock-based livelihoods. Villagers are seeking compensation, a cage and effective Forest Department action to capture the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many goats were killed in Sumgarh?
Fourteen goats were killed in Sumgarh over 10 days.
Q. How many goats died in the latest Sumgarh attack?
8 goats were killed in the latest attack in Baanse hamlet.
Q. When did the earlier Sumgarh attack occur?
The earlier attack occurred on 10 October, when 6 goats were killed.
Q. Where did the separate attack take place?
The separate attack took place in Ratmatiya village in the Garur area.
Q. What have villagers requested?
Villagers have requested compensation, a cage near the affected area and an operation to capture the leopard.
Q. Who reported the latest Sumgarh incident?
Sumgarh gram panchayat head Bhupendra Koranga reported the latest incident.
