A video purportedly showing a leopard catching a crocodile in a local river has caused a stir on social media platforms. However, forest department officials have debunked this claim, stating that the animal in the video actually resembles a jaguar, not a leopard.
Upon closer examination, experts noted distinct skin patterns on the animal, closely resembling those of a jaguar, a species native to South America known for its ability to hunt crocodiles along riverbanks. This observation led officials to conclude that the scene depicted in the video does not originate from India, where leopards are the native big cats.
The video’s circulation prompted concerns among locals, with warnings issued against fishing in Bantwal’s rivers due to alleged crocodile activity. In response, the forest department swiftly issued a clarification to dispel the misinformation and reassure the public of the actual wildlife present in the region.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media, particularly when it concerns wildlife and environmental conservation.
