Title: Leopards Attacks on Devotees Raise Concerns: Expert Offers Tips to Escape
Subtitle: Recent incidents of leopards attacking devotees walking on the Tirumala-Tirupati mountain pass cause alarm among pilgrims
Date: [Insert Date]
Incidents of leopards entering residential areas and attacking people have been reported across the country. In a tragic turn of events, there have been two recent incidents of leopards attacking devotees walking on the Tirumala-Tirupati mountain pass, resulting in the death of a young girl. These incidents have sparked concerns among pilgrims about how to escape a leopard attack and what precautions to take.
Siripurapu Madhava Rao, a senior officer working in the Telangana State Forest Department, shared his insights on this matter with BBC. As the Deputy Conservator of Forests at Kawwal Tiger Sanctuary in Jannaram, his expertise shed light on the unique characteristics of leopards.
Leopards are generally shy and dislike being stared at by humans. When they sense the presence of humans, they tend to escape and find areas with minimal human activity. Unlike tigers, leopards are not easily noticeable when humans are in their vicinity. They are solitary creatures, with the exception of the mating season, during which they stay with their mate. They primarily inhabit rock caves in the forest and prey on animals like deer, wild boar, and sambar.
India, known for its tiger population, also has a significant number of leopards. In fact, the ratio of tigers to leopards in India is approximately 1:8, with an estimated 25,000 leopards distributed across different states in the country.
The reasons behind leopards entering residential areas are habitat loss, poaching, and water scarcity. As these factors force leopards out of their natural habitats, conflicts between humans and animals arise. Madhava Rao emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures to protect both humans and wildlife. Erecting barrier fences and establishing designated animal movement routes can help ensure the safety of pilgrims without disrupting the habitats of wild animals.
When encountering a leopard, the severity of the threat depends on the distance from which one spots the animal. Leopards are less likely to attack if they are observed from afar. Madhava Rao advises redirecting attention elsewhere, as the leopard will likely move away. However, if confronted with a leopard at a close range, it is crucial to raise both arms and vocalize loudly. This action may lead the leopard to perceive a larger animal’s presence nearby and retreat.
Attempting to run or hide in bushes could provoke an attack from the leopard. Climbing a tree is also not a reliable escape route, as leopards have an innate ability to climb trees. Those living near forest areas are at a higher risk of leopard attacks, especially farmers working near forest boundaries. Wearing a mask resembling a human face on one’s back serves as a deterrent, as wild animals typically attack from the back. Additionally, individuals living near forest areas are advised to illuminate their surroundings with torches, as this discourages wild animals, including leopards, from approaching.
While leopards are less likely to prey on humans, they may attack if they feel threatened. Humans should exercise caution and respect the wildlife around them. With the right approach and knowledge, individuals can minimize the risk of leopard encounters and ensure their safety.
In conclusion, it is important for pilgrims, residents living near forest areas, and anyone venturing into leopard habitats to understand the behaviors of these animals and take necessary precautions. By being aware of how leopards react to human presence and following the recommendations of experts like Siripurapu Madhava Rao, it is possible to coexist harmoniously with wildlife while ensuring personal safety.