A peacock, the national bird of India, made an unexpected appearance in the snowy forests near Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, sparking intrigue and concern among local and environmental officials.
According to reports from the forest department, the bird was sighted by locals in the forest area near Jagatsukh village, around eight kilometers from Manali at an altitude of 6,893 feet. A video capturing the majestic bird quickly gained traction on social media.
Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Conservator of Forests in Kullu, remarked that the presence of a peacock at such high elevations is unusual, as these birds are typically found in plains and lower altitudes. The occurrence aligns with observations of changing climates and rising temperatures, suggesting that wildlife habitats could be shifting due to global warming.