Pune: In a rare occurrence, four leopards have been captured in a span of just 18 days in the Bighevasti-Katwanvasti area in Ambegaon taluka. The latest capture took place early on Thursday (August 29), when a one-and-a-half-year-old leopard cub was trapped in a cage set by the Forest Department.

Shortly after the cub’s capture, a female leopard tried to free it by repeatedly ramming the cage, prompting the Forest Department to issue a safety alert to residents.

The first leopard was captured on August 12, followed by a second, a one-year-old male, on August 18, and a third on August 25. The latest capture is the fourth in this series.

The frequency of these incidents has caused alarm among local residents, who are now worried about the continuing presence of leopards in the area.

Farmers in the area, led by Maruti Karbhari Bhor, had requested the Forest Department to set additional traps due to frequent leopard sightings.

Following the recent capture, Bhor reported witnessing a female leopard growling and hitting the cage in an attempt to rescue the trapped cub. The rescue team from the Forest Department, along with local villagers and officials, managed to take the leopard cub into custody.

The situation has heightened concerns among locals after a leopard killed two sheep belonging to a farmer, Santosh Patilbuwa Lokhande, late Sunday night. This incident further indicates that leopards remain active in the vicinity, leading to growing fears among residents.

Safety Alert for Residents

The Forest Department has advised residents of Bighevasti-Katwanvasti to exercise caution, especially after a female leopard showed aggressive behavior by ramming into the cage where the cub was trapped.

Given the possibility of further aggression, authorities are considering setting up more traps and have requested residents to remain alert.