Patna, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Central School situated on the grounds of the Air Force Station in Bihta, Bihar, has been closed indefinitely amid concerns regarding a leopard sighting in the area.

The wild cat has been seen numerous times within the Air Force Station campus since October 25.

The school, which serves approximately 1,100 students, will remain closed for an undetermined duration to prioritize safety.

Officials from the Air Force Station, district forest, and Wildlife Department are actively working to capture the leopard.

Students, especially those preparing for the Class 10 and 12 board exams, are experiencing considerable academic disruption.

The reliance on online classes has resulted in average performances in pre-board examinations, raising concerns about their upcoming final board exams.

In addition to the leopard, wild boars have been spotted near the school. These wild boars are recognized for their aggressive nature, sometimes leading to fatal encounters with villagers, which has intensified local fears.

Parents and community members are increasingly anxious about the safety of their children and the academic prospects of the students.

Gaurav Ojha, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for Patna stated: "We have set up cages within the campus to capture the wild animal. A leopard approached the cage but did not enter it. We plan to bring in expert wildlife teams equipped with the necessary resources to safely capture and relocate the leopard."

"We are utilizing camera traps and drone surveillance to observe the leopard's movements and establish targeted trapping areas," he added.

The leopard was first sighted during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Air Force Station grounds. Nonetheless, no successful capture has occurred to date.

The Air Force Station, encompassing 900 acres, serves as a refuge for wildlife due to its dense vegetation, resulting in frequent encounters between humans and wildlife, which raises risks for both.