The villagers of Sirkot in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand had a startling discovery when they stumbled upon an abandoned cowshed that had been turned into a den by a leopardess. To their surprise, they found three leopard cubs hiding inside! The forest department was immediately notified, and they set up three camera traps in the area to ensure the safety of the locals.

According to reports, the leopardess had taken two of the cubs away at night, leaving one behind. The forest department was optimistic that the cub left behind would be reunited with its mother and advised the villagers not to wander in the area. The forest range officer also warned the locals to be vigilant, especially after sunset.

The Wildlife Institute of India stated that the trend of wild animals seeking refuge in abandoned structures to give birth owes to the fact that these areas can be seen as safe havens by wild animals. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the leopard population across the country, resulting in more big cats venturing near human settlements.

The forest department is acting patiently, with their focus on sending the cub back into the wild rather than giving it to a rescue center or zoo. As of now, the leopardess is still in the area, and the chances are high that she will take the cub with her.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Uttarakhand. Just a month ago, a leopard gave birth to cubs in Pithoragarh's Silpada village, causing similar excitement among the villagers. With the rise in the leopard population, it is becoming increasingly common for these big cats to seek shelter near human settlements. While it is undoubtedly a thrilling experience to come across such wild animals, it is important to prioritize their safety and avoid any conflicts with humans.