Trail 3 closed after leopards sighting
Software identifying the leopards' distinctive rosette patterns has shown seven of the big cats are in the area. PHOTO: TWITTER/ @rinasaeed
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Saturday closed Trail 3 for the general public after leopards were sighted in Saidpur village of the federal capital.
The Islamabad district administration, meanwhile, asked citizens especially motorcyclists to refrain from travelling alone in the village located next to the protected area.
Sources said that the ICT admin issued the directives after some motorbike riders attempted to speed away after seeing a leopard but they sustained injuries after they lost balance and fell off the motorcycle.
Residents of Saidpur village have also been asked to report to the police on the 15 helpline in case of emergency.
The Islamabad district admin, however, asked the residents not to panic as police and wildlife department volunteers will perform their duty to keep an eye on the intruding leopards.
A CDA official said that teams have been sent to Margalla Hills and Saidpur village after the incident. He said that teams of the CDA, the district administration, Islamabad police and the wildlife department have been posted in protected areas near the population.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2022.