Weeks after villagers pelted stones, Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh now drink water from their plate

BHOPAL: A new bond between cheetahs and villagers is being witnessed in Sheopur district, marking a significant change in the dynamics between wildlife and local communities. This moment comes after a tense period just weeks ago when villagers had pelted stones at cheetah cubs attempting to attack a calf.

This time, however, the scene was different. The female cheetah Jwala, along with her four cubs, had reportedly ventured into a field away from Kuno, where they hunted and killed around six goats. The incident could have easily turned into fear and hostility, but instead, it unfolded into a surprising act of kindness.

In a viral video it can be seen that, after finishing their hunt, a local villager approached the cheetahs with a large plate of water, placing it near the shaded area where they were resting. Some villagers, perhaps in an attempt to communicate, can be heard saying ‘come, come,’ thinking that the cheetahs might understand English.

To everyone’s surprise, the cheetahs calmly woke up and drank the water, showing no signs of aggression. The villagers stood nearby, observing the cheetahs but refraining from causing harm, as the animals quenched their thirst in peace. This moment was captured on video and shared widely, with the villagers amazed by the unexpected calm between them and the wild creatures.

However, forest officers had been advising villagers to stay away from the cheetahs and not to feed them. “If they get too close, the cheetahs might start coming closer to their habitations. There is no need for them to develop a bond with wildlife. They will learn this slowly,” said a forest officer.

This incident follows a much more dramatic event a few weeks ago, when the same cheetah cubs had attempted to attack a calf in the village. At that time, villagers had thrown stones to protect the livestock, fearful of the cheetahs’ presence. The situation had highlighted the initial friction between the villagers and the cheetahs as both sides navigated their shared space.

“The recent act of offering water symbolizes a growing understanding and shift in behaviour. The villagers, perhaps realizing that the cheetahs were not inherently a threat but part of the region's natural ecosystem, chose to approach the situation differently this time. But again, we would not want them to get this close and develop any bond like this,” said the officer.

Kuno National Park’s tracking team, who had been monitoring the cheetah herd, was also present at the scene. They reached the area after receiving reports of the cheetahs roaming outside the park. The team conducted an inspection and advised the villagers to exercise caution, ensuring safety while allowing the cheetahs to settle.

The cheetahs, led by Jwala, have become more active outside the park in recent days, hunting and exploring the open forests. The villagers’ actions demonstrate an evolving relationship with the animals, one that may pave the way for more peaceful coexistence in the future.

Officers say there is still much progress to be made in terms of human-wildlife interactions, and what happened today is a hopeful sign of the bond that can grow between the two. While the cheetahs continue to roam outside the park, the way the villagers responded today is seen as an encouraging step toward greater harmony between humans and wildlife.