Amid the ongoing wolf attacks in Bahraich, wildlife authorities in Uttar Pradesh are on alert after a leopard on the prowl in Hapur village has left residents living in fear after it mauled cattle in the area.
The leopard has attacked several animals in the last few days leading to an atmosphere of fear among the villagers in Navada village of the district.
Amid the fear of animal attacks, the villagers have stopped sending their children to school and going out at night.
Hapur Superintendent of Police Gyananjay Singh visited the Navada late on Monday night and held a meeting with the villagers.
The SP, who reached the village along with 12 other policemen said, if the leopard appeared in front of anyone, they should not run away, but maintain eye contact with the animal.
"If the leopard appears in front of you, do not run away. Instead, maintain eye contact with it," the SP told the villagers.
He urged the villagers that until the animal is captured, they should exercise extreme caution.
He added that the villagers should avoid going into fields for around 15 days, if possible, or if needed, they should go in groups of 4-5.
The leopard has entered Navada from the nearby Gadhmukteshwar forests and created an environment in the area. The villagers have restrained themselves to their houses after dusk.
The leopard has reportedly killed four cattles, while its paw prints have been spotted on trees outside people's homes.
Local reports said that the forest department has set up only one trap in the village and has deployed just four forest personnel.
Meanwhile, another leopard is roaming in Barsar revenue sub division in Hamirpur leaving residents living in fear after it killed over three dozen animals including dogs.
Reports reaching here said that the leopard was spotted in Sujanpur, Bhoranj and Nadaun areas, prompting locals to approach the Forest Department to capture the wild animal.
A CCTV footage of the animal entering a house has also gone viral on social media. Forest department officials said that they have received complaints from people regarding the matter.