Madhya Pradesh: After pelting stones at cheetahs, Indian villagers now offer water to animals
A week after a female cheetah and its cubs attacked a calf, forcing villagers in Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh to pelt stones at them, a video has now emerged online where a person could be seen offering water to the animals, an incident reflecting a change in the equation between the two sides.
The stone pelting incident occurred last week.
According to reports, the female cheetah and its cubs ventured into a field away from Kuno and attacked and killed six goats.
Instead of getting scared of the animals, locals showed kindness and tried to help the cheetah family.
In a viral video, locals could be seen pouring water on a huge plate and placing it in front of the cheetahs that were resting in a shady location.
Offering water or milk to #cheetahs by villagers is not a good sign for #wildlife conservation. This may lead to dangerous consequences. As usual, the forest is undisturbed.@CMMadhyaPradesh @ntca_india @PMOIndia @KunoNationalPrk @Collectorsheop1 pic.twitter.com/3iIIYbd8Kn
— ajay dubey (@Ajaydubey9) April 5, 2025
A forest officer warned locals against moving close to the animals.
“If they get too close, the cheetahs might start coming closer to their habitations," the officer told The Times of India.
"There is no need for them to develop a bond with wildlife," he said.
"They will learn this slowly,” he said.
He reacted to the people offering water to the animals and said the act showed a growing understanding and shift in behaviour.
