Leopard kills woman in Bahraich's Katarniaghat; 4th death in a month

In a tragic incident, a 35-year old woman was killed in a leopard attack in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district. The incident has raised alarm and once again drawn attention to the delicate boundary between wildlife habitats and human settlements around Katarniaghat. According to a PTI report, the woman, identified as Mamta, was attacked on September 24 while working in a field near her home in Sujauli. Forest officials said the leopard emerged from a sugarcane field which is about 2 km from the nearest forest. The incident came amid a series of recent wildlife sightings in the area and increased movement of animals following floods. What it means for travellersTourists in wildlife sanctuary (AI Image) For travellers planning a trip to Uttar Pradesh’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, this is a major development. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is not simply a forest bordering villages; it is an important part of Uttar Pradesh’s Terai landscape and a recognised wildlife tourism destination. The sanctuary forms part of the core area of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and provides an important ecological link between wildlife habitats in India and Nepal. About KatarniaghatKatarniaghat is located in Bahraich. The sanctuary is known for its dense sal forests, grasslands, wetlands and riverine landscape. According to the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism website, the sanctuary covers about 400 sq km and supports species including tiger, gharial, swamp deer, Gangetic dolphin and several bird species. The landscape is particularly interesting for travellers because it offers a different kind of wildlife experience from the more frequently visited tiger reserves of central India. The sanctuary combines forests and wetlands with the Girwa river, creating opportunities for jungle safaris, boating, birdwatching, nature trails and wildlife photography. What is behind the recent wildlife movement?Into the Wild (Canva) The recent leopard sightings cannot simply be viewed as animals suddenly becoming more aggressive towards people. Reports from the region indicate that flooding has affected parts of the Katarniaghat landscape, with wild animals moving towards safer ground. A September 16 report said forest officials had been rescuing leopards and other animals found near human settlements after water levels rose in forest areas. The latest attack is part of this wider period of increased wildlife movement. Earlier in September, an elderly woman was killed in another leopard attack in Sujauli. A nine-year-old boy was also killed in a separate incident in the Sujauli area, according to local reports. The forest department has increased surveillance. If you are planning a tripLeopard attack (Canva) Katarniaghat can be approached by road from Lucknow, with the official tourism website putting the distance at around 203 km. From New Delhi, the road distance listed is approximately 501 km. Lucknow is the nearest airport mentioned by UP Eco Tourism. Safari options are available from Katarniaghat and the Motipur-Kakraha side. The official tariff currently lists safari charges of ₹4,000 for a full vehicle from Katarniaghat, with capacity for up to seven people, while the Motipur-Kakraha option is listed at ₹5,000 per vehicle. Rates and operating conditions can change, so travellers should check the official portal before booking. Katarniaghat's attraction lies in seeing wildlife in its natural surroundings. The recent leopard incidents underline the same reality from another angle—that these forests are still very much alive, and their inhabitants do not always remain within the boundaries humans have drawn around them. But remember, safety is more important.