In a tragic incident, a leopard attacked and killed a 4-year-old girl in Shrikot village under the Pokhra range of Kotdwar late Thursday evening. The victim, identified as Riya, daughter of Jitendra Rawat, was dragged away from near her home, and her body was later found a short distance away.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when Riya was playing outside. Witnesses said the leopard pounced suddenly, dragging her into nearby bushes. Family members raised an alarm and began a frantic search with the help of villagers. After some time, the child’s body was recovered close to the house. Forest Ranger Nakshatra Shah of the Garhwal Forest Division rushed to the spot with his team to begin investigations.
Our correspondent reports that forest officials have marked the area as sensitive and initiated night patrolling. They collected pugmarks and drag marks to confirm leopard movement. Authorities said camera traps, cages, and tranquilizer teams may be deployed if the leopard continues to pose a threat. Villagers have been urged to avoid leaving children alone outdoors after dark and to clear thick vegetation near their homes.
This killing has once again drawn attention to the increasing human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand. Just two weeks ago, forest officials captured a leopard suspected of attacking children in Satpuli Malla area of Pauri district, transferring it to Chidiyapur Rescue Centre in Haridwar. Our correspondent adds that in August 2024, a six-year-old boy was mauled to death in Kota village under Rikhnikhal block of Kotdwar.
In July 2024, a nine-year-old girl was killed in Tehri district, part of a spate of attacks that left 19 people dead and 43 others injured across Uttarakhand in just six months. Official data shows that the Chidiyapur Rescue Centre currently houses 14 leopards declared “man-eaters.” Our correspondent reports that statewide records reveal 137 leopard attacks in 2024, resulting in 15 deaths.
In December 2023, Nainital district witnessed two women killed in separate incidents, leading to a special forest department operation to track and eliminate the leopard involved. Wildlife experts warn that such incidents are becoming more frequent as shrinking habitats and prey shortages push leopards toward human settlements.
Our correspondent adds that the forest department has repeatedly issued advisories to villagers in sensitive areas: children should not be left unattended after dusk, bushes near homes must be cleared, livestock should be kept in secured enclosures, and garbage must not be thrown in open spaces. Emergency helplines have also been set up for reporting leopard sightings immediately.
The atmosphere in Shrikot remains tense following the latest attack. Villagers have demanded cages, drones, and thermal cameras for round-the-clock monitoring. Forest officials said they are drawing up a proactive monitoring plan. If the leopard is identified as a repeat attacker, it may be tranquilized and relocated, or action taken according to established guidelines.
Our correspondent reports that local authorities have assured financial compensation to the bereaved family and psychological support for the community. Experts emphasize that while immediate relief is necessary, long-term solutions lie in waste management, better corridor protection, and stronger awareness programs to reduce conflict.
The Kotdwar tragedy underscores the urgent need for coordinated measures to protect both human lives and wildlife in Uttarakhand. With leopard attacks on the rise, preventive steps and swift response mechanisms are essential to avert further loss of innocent lives.
