School in Bihar closed indefinitely amid ongoing leopard threat 

A school on the Air Force Station premises in Bihar's Bihta town has been shut indefinitely due to a leopard threat in the area. The wild animal has been spotted multiple times inside the station since October 25, prompting authorities to take action to ensure safety.

The Central School, which serves around 1,100 children, was closed to prevent potential danger. Authorities from the Air Force Station, the district forest and the Wildlife Department have been working to capture the leopard.

The closure has caused significant disruption to students, particularly those preparing for their Class 10 and 12 board exams. Many have turned to online classes; however, the results in pre-board exams have been underwhelming, raising concerns about their performance in the final examinations.

In addition to the leopard, wild boars have also been sighted near the school. Known for their aggressive behaviour, wild boars have been responsible for fatal attacks on villagers, heightening fears in the community.

Parents and residents are increasingly worried about the safety of children and the academic future of students.

Gaurav Ojha, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Patna, stated, "We have placed cages inside the campus to capture the wild animal. While a leopard approached the cage, it avoided entering. We plan to deploy expert teams, use drones and camera traps to monitor the animal's movements and set up targeted traps."

The leopard was first sighted within the Air Force Station premises during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite multiple attempts, it has yet to be successfully captured.

The 900-acre Air Force Station area, rich in vegetation, is a haven for wildlife, leading to frequent human-wildlife encounters and increasing risks for both residents and animals.