Panic spread in Panchgachhi village of Kishanganj after villagers reported a leopard attack. Forest department officials rushed to the spot to check the situation.
Divisional Forest Officer Chanchal Prakash visited the village and talked to the local people to gather details. During the inspection, the news of the leopard attack was found to be completely false. Officials confirmed that the animal seen in the village was not a leopard, but a
Civet Cat, which is locally known as Bam Bilar. The animal looks like a cat and has markings similar to a leopard on its skin, which caused confusion among the villagers.
The forest department stated that the Civet Cat is a shy animal that stays away from humans and does not pose a danger to life or property. However, it can scratch in self-defense if someone tries to catch it or goes too close.
Villagers have been advised to stay alert and keep children away from the animal. People were told not to go near the wildlife or chase it, but to let it move away safely. As a precaution,
forest officials installed cages and nets in the village to catch the animal safely. The department appealed to the public not to spread rumors without verification and to inform authorities if they spot any wild animal.
