Hit & run: Leopard cub found dead in US Nagar

RUDRAPUR: The carcass of a leopard cub was found on Ramraj Road near Cheema Colony in Bazpur, Udham Singh Nagar district, on Friday morning.

Forest officials believe the male cub, estimated to be between 1 and 2 years old, was likely struck by a speeding vehicle. This marks the second such incident reported in the region this month.

“The cub showed visible injury marks, suggesting it died in a road accident. A post-mortem will confirm the cause of death,” said Banna Khera forest range officer Nawal Kishore Kapil.

The carcass was discovered by residents around 7 am, prompting a crowd to gather and voice concerns over the rising number of wildlife fatalities near human settlements.

“These repeated deaths highlight an urgent need for wildlife-sensitive road planning and awareness campaigns for motorists,” said Shubham Gambhir, a resident.

This incident follows the death of a four-year-old male leopard on April 3 in Ratanpura village of Bazpur, also a victim of an unidentified vehicle. Both areas are located near forested zones where leopard sightings are common.