Three injured in Galyat wild boar attack

Wildlife officials capture leopard which came close to population

ABBOTTABAD:

In wake of shrinking habitats of wild animals due to the sprawling human settlements, the incidents of citizens coming under attack by leopards and wild boars have increased in the Galyat region.

At least three people, including a woman, were seriously injured in an attack by wild boars on Thursday while a leopard was caught alive by the officials of the wildlife department, sparking panic and fear among the locals.

Sources said the wild boars and leopards residing in the forest areas have come close to the population in the Galyat region due to which such incidents have increased.

According to sources, wild boars entered the local population in Nagri Bala village of Galyat region and attacked three passers-by, including a woman, leaving them seriously injured. The injured were identified as Nazir, Umar, and Naseem Bibi.

A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 said the injured were shifted to the Ayub Medical Complex after providing them with first aid, where the condition of the injured woman was stated to be critical.

Meanwhile, the local population also strongly protested the wildlife department against the increasing incidents of animal attacks on the human population.

On the other hand, a leopard came close to the residential area in Dakhin Tatrela village of Union Council Nagri Bala on Thursday morning.

Despite trying their best, the locals could not capture the leopard and its presence spread panic and fear among the residents of the nearby villages. After six hours of effort, the wildlife department officials were able to capture the leopard after stunning it with a dart gun.

Later, the officials shifted the leopard to the department of wildlife’s PMA Road office in Abbottabad under strict security.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2023.