Srinagar, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 16 sheep were killed and 17 others injured in a suspected leopard attack on a flock in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district early Thursday, causing significant losses to the livestock owner.
The incident took place in Badipora village of the Chadoora area during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The flock owner, Imtiyaz Ahmad Chopan, said a leopard entered the enclosure during the night and attacked the sheep.
However, the identity of the animal involved in the attack has not yet been officially confirmed.
Chopan said livestock was a major source of livelihood for his family and appealed to the government and concerned departments to provide immediate assistance and compensation for the loss of animals.
Local residents have also urged the Wildlife Department to inspect the site and take preventive measures to protect livestock and residents from further attacks.
Human-wildlife conflict remains a recurring concern in Jammu and Kashmir, with leopards and Asiatic black bears frequently venturing into villages, agricultural fields and orchards. Habitat loss, deforestation, unplanned development and shrinking buffer zones have reduced natural spaces for wildlife.
Open garbage dumps, livestock and fruit orchards located near forest fringes can also attract wild animals towards human settlements. Changing weather conditions and shifting snowfall patterns have further affected the availability of natural forage and water at higher elevations, prompting animals to move towards inhabited areas.
Between 2020 and mid-2025, Jammu and Kashmir recorded more than 17,200 human-wildlife conflict incidents, resulting in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,100 injuries, with leopards and Asiatic black bears accounting for a significant share of such encounters.
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