SRINAGAR: In light of the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict, the wildlife department has issued an advisory, urging people to adhere to it to prevent any loss of life.

The department has appealed to the public to observe preventive measures, including the Dos and Don’ts outlined by the department.

The wildlife department has urged people, particularly women and children who are most vulnerable to leopard and bear attacks, to refrain from venturing alone into the forest. It has advised restricting movement towards the forest during the evening and morning hours, as these are peak activity times for wild animals, especially leopards. The advisory also cautions against approaching or chasing wild animals if spotted from a distance.

Furthermore, the advisory recommends that livestock in forest pastures should be attended to by at least three to four people, with some cattle wearing sound-producing devices around their necks. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding the dumping of kitchen waste near houses and constructing concrete “leopard-proof” cattle sheds to deter leopards, as kitchen waste attracts dogs, which in turn attract leopards.

The wildlife department advises residents living near forests to carry out outdoor activities only during the daytime and to clear bushes and shrubs around their homes to enhance visibility and deter leopards. It suggests constructing “leopard-proof” cattle sheds using wooden or concrete materials and keeping a pet dog in the house to alert residents to the presence of predators.

Additionally, the advisory advises against making loud noises upon spotting a leopard, as this can agitate the animal and lead to dangerous situations.

The wildlife department has also provided contact details for control rooms established to address man-animal conflicts.

Notably, the valley has witnessed a surge in man-animal conflicts, with two minors being killed by a leopard in Budgam, which was later neutralized by the wildlife department—(KNO)