KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 25
In a dramatic development in Bhaisepati today, a woman was attacked by a leopard, leaving her injured and scratched, and creating a frightful atmosphere in Ward No 18 of Lalitpur district.
"Now it is with the forest department," Rupy Singh, a resident of Bhaisepati ward 18, told THT.
"The forest department and police captured it at our Bhaisepati residence yesterday by shooting it with sedatives. It is over now, but we are afraid it will happen again."
She presumed that it must have come at night. "Our gardener spotted it at 10 a.m. yesterday. Hiding in our garden's bamboo. He merely noticed the tail," she added.
When asked if it resulted in any casualties, she replied, "Yes," adding, "After the shot, it sprung up and leaped from our garden to another land in one go, getting into the chicken coop of that house, and unfortunately, a woman working there was attacked on her cheek and head and scratched on her chest. She has been admitted to Medicity Hospital."
According to locals, the leopard came from the forest in the hills (encroached by humans to build homes) of Haatiban, Chandragiri, or Kirtipur.
"It appears that a leopard crossed the river, climbed onto our side, and possibly got lost on the way back. However, it was well-fed and most likely found our garden to rest and hide. We have a wall all around; it must have jumped over the wall," she said.
She emphasised that humans are encroaching on these species' habitats, which is the result of poor animals wandering into residential areas. "It is sad and dangerous for both humans and animals. We must maintain the balance of the ecosystem, it is our duty," she stated.
The leopard has been transported to the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel for further treatment.
