People record leopard calmly walking on road in presence of humans. Watch video

The leopard is seen moving peacefully, unmindful of the presence of humans, and even walks past some cars.

A leopard strayed from a forest to a road in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district following which it was captured by the Wildlife Department, officials said.

The leopard was later captured and is presently under observation. (Facebook/@The Travel Mates)

A video went viral on social media on Monday, showing the big cat walking along a road in Chingam village of Chatroo surrounded by a lush, green forest. Some men can be seen walking close behind it while capturing the unusual sight on their mobile phones.

The leopard is seen moving peacefully, unmindful of the presence of humans, and even walks past some cars whose occupants observe the animal from close quarters. The incident was captured by a member of a travel group who later shared it on Facebook on June 25.

“The animal is sick and is undergoing treatment at trauma centre in Kishtwar. It is under observation and is showing signs of recovery,” said an official of the Wildlife Department.

District Development Commissioner (Kishtwar) A S Rana appealed people to exercise caution in such a situation in order to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the wild animals.

Some netizens blamed deforestation and encroachment of animal habitat as reasons for the incident. “This is outcome of deforestation...obviously they will come in our homes since we (have) destroyed theirs,” a Facebook user said in response to the video.