Pune: A leopard that had appeared twice in four days in the Bhadale Vasti area of Wagholi was finally captured early morning, bringing a wave of relief to the community.

The sightings of the leopard, which had been recorded by security personnel, had alarmed local residents as the animal attacked livestock and roamed dangerously close to populated areas.

The leopard was first seen four days ago and then again early Friday morning, reportedly attacking two sheep.

Security guards at a local Decathlon captured video footage of the animal on mobile phones as it wandered through nearby fields.

Following these sightings, Forest Department officials visited the site to assess the situation and found paw prints confirming the leopard’s presence.

In response, a trap was set on the farm of former Deputy Sarpanch Samir Bhadale on Friday evening, and the leopard was caught at around 1 a.m.

Samir Bhadale, who had been urging the Forest Department to take swift action, stated, “In an urban area like Wagholi, the presence of a leopard posed a significant threat.

We repeatedly coordinated with the Forest Department, and now that the leopard has been captured, the entire community can breathe a sigh of relief.”

Earlier this month, a leopard attacked and killed a calf in Bhalsingh Wasti, Kolwadi, in Haveli taluka. The calf, tied in front of a house, was ambushed by the leopard, which had been lying in wait.

The leopard dragged the calf into the nearby fields after the attack. Residents of the Manjari and Kolwadi areas had already reported frequent sightings of leopard footprints, and some had even seen the animal from their vehicles.