Budgam, September 10: Sixteen sheep were reportedly killed and 17 others injured after a wild animal attacked a flock at Badipora village in the Chadoora area of Budgam district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

The owner of the flock, Imtiyaz Ahmad Chopan, said he suspected that a leopard had entered the livestock enclosure during the night and attacked the sheep. However, the identity of the animal has not been independently confirmed.

Chopan said the incident has caused significant financial losses to his family, which depends on livestock for its livelihood. He urged the government and concerned departments to assess the damage and provide compensation and immediate assistance.

Local residents have also appealed to the Wildlife Department to inspect the area and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks on livestock and reduce the risk of encounters between residents and the wild animal.