Leopards on the prowl in Murree

Leopards have been sighted near human settlements in Murree, requiring precautionary measures by the locals and tourists, said Rawalpindi Wildlife Director Nadeem Qureshi.

In a message issued on Saturday, he asked tourists that if they come face to face with a leopard, don’t shout, panic or try to run away, rather step back slowly. The leopard, or any other wild animal, would attack if startled.

Stay on road, don’t go deep into forest and make noises while on hiking trails. Qureshi urged the tourists to stay on paths and tracks where there is regular movement of people, because wild animals avoid noise and rush. He advised the people to avoid going near woods near dawn and dusk when the leopards prefer to hunt.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2020.