Leopard kills 8-year-old boy

The animal attacked and dragged the victim to a nearby jungle.

ABBOTABAD: A leopard attacked and killed an 8-year-old boy in Baren Gali near Abbottabad on Saturday evening.

Muhammad Yousuf told the police that his two sons Sohail Ahmed, eight, and Waqas Ahmed, 11, had gone to the nearby field around 6pm, when a leopard hiding behind the bushes attacked Sohail and dragged him into the nearby jungle.

Waqas tried to rescue his younger brother by throwing rocks at the beast, but in vain.

Upon hearing of the incident from Waqas, the victim’s family and the villagers rushed to the jungle, and after a two-hour search they found Sohail, killed by the animal. The leopard had eaten the victim’s left leg and wounded his face, neck and chest. The boy was buried in his ancestral graveyard. His father, Yousaf, is a vegetable seller by profession.

According to locals, there are about eight leopards in the area that often attack livestock.

They added there are also wild boars in the forest. About three years ago, two women had been killed by leopards and their families were compensated. They said the ferocious animals are a constant source of worry and wildlife authorities should take steps to ensure their safety.

The police said they have told the local wildlife authorities about the incident. Divisional Officer Wild Life Arif Aurakzai was not available for a comment due to a public holiday, while Sub Divisional Officer Salahuddin could not be contacted. The Galiyat range has a population of more than 150 leopards, according to official data.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th,  2011.