Residents of Norbugang Gewog in Samtse are living in fear as leopards are frequently sighted in the area, causing growing concerns for the safety of both villagers and livestock. A recent incident involving attacks on two cows and several other livestock in Dawaling_Yangphelthang Chiwog has further intensified anxiety, compelling the community and local authorities to take swift and necessary actions.
In recent weeks, Norbugang residents have reported a surge in leopard sightings, estimating the presence of about three of these elusive predators, one adult and two cubs, particularly in and around Dawaling_Yangphelthang Chiwog.
The recent incident, where two cows, seven goats, and a few dogs were fatally attacked, has intensified fears.
“We are scared because of leopards in our village. We avoid going out, especially at night, as leopards roam freely after 5 PM. We are concerned about our children’s safety when they go to school,” said Amit Chhetri, a resident.
The increased threat from leopards not only endangers livestock but also poses a significant risk to the broader community, especially with Norbugang Primary School located in the same village. With over 300 students, the situation has prompted proactive steps by the school administration.
Given the gravity of the situation, parents were urged to ensure the safe pick up and drop off of their children during the recent parent-teacher meeting.
Likewise, parents and students were also provided with awareness sessions on how to respond during a wildcat encounter.
The leopard threat is not limited to Dawaling_Yangphelthang Chiwog. Other villages in the gewog are also experiencing frequent attacks on livestock.
“A month or two ago, leopards entered our village and killed two of my calves. They also harmed many animals in nearby villages. Currently, we haven’t seen them causing harm, but we can’t be sure. It would be better if the gewog office or forestry officials could catch the wildcats and release them elsewhere for our safety,” said Mohan Singh Ghalley from Dipujora.
Forestry officials said leopards generally refrain from attacking humans unless they are injured or are elderly. The leopard captured by one of the hidden cameras does not appear to fit either category. With the predators encroaching on human settlement, forestry officials have taken action by setting up cameras and traps to capture them. They also suspect that the increased presence of livestock, such as cattle and goats in the area might have prompted the leopards to forage the settlements.
“Forestry officials have confirmed the presence of leopards through hidden cameras. Now, they have set traps in nearby forests to rescue and relocate the wildcats to a safer place away from the village,” said Yadu Raj Ghalley, Norbugang Gup.
Though hidden cameras and traps were fixed earlier this month, successfully capturing the wildcats remains a challenge. The gewog administration and forestry officials are now planning to use meat as bait inside the traps.
As the gewog administration and forestry officials work to capture the animals, residents are urged to remain vigilant. With over 5,600 residents in Norbugang Gewog, safety precautions are paramount.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by kipchu
