India: 129 Bangalore Schools Closed over Leopard Fears

Indian authorities have closed more than 120 schools in Bangalore after reports that another leopard was sighted on the outskirts of the city.

Bangalore residents were asked to stay indoors and police and forest officials were trying to track the elusive cat.

On February 7, a male leopard entered the Vibgyor International school in Bangalore and injured six people who tried to capture it.

A scientist and a forestry employee were among those mauled during the 10-hour-long effort to corner the animal.

The latest sighting was reported by a construction worker on February 10 at Nallurhalli, near Whitefield area.

On February 11, authorities ordered 129 schools, including 53 government schools, to remain shut.

A recent wildlife census estimated that India has a leopard population of between 12,000 and 14,000.

The 8-year-old male leopard, which strolled into the Vibgyor International school, was eventually tranquillized and captured.

Wildlife officials said the leopard possibly strayed into the school from a patch of forest not far from the school.

Leopards and other big cats have been known to stray into populated areas, and conservationists have warned that such confrontations may increase as humans encroach on animal habitats.