Wagholi: A leopard attacked and killed a calf late Tuesday night 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 incident, captured on CCTV, has heightened fear among the local population.
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.
However, this latest attack, which was recorded on CCTV, has confirmed the leopard's presence in the area. The community is now appealing to the forest department for immediate intervention.
Meanwhile in Junnar, following a recent leopard attack in Pimpri Pendhar, the Junnar Forest Department has intensified its efforts to capture the animal by setting up 30 traps and 15 camera traps.
In addition, the department has urged residents of areas with frequent leopard sightings to remain indoors before sunrise and after sunset. If venturing out is necessary, people are advised to carry torches and large sticks for protection.
Given the large population of leopards near the Kukdi and Ghod rivers, the forest department has also recommended that villagers install bright lights around their homes, clear grass from the surroundings, and use indoor toilets for safety. These precautions have been issued for residents in Junnar, Shirur, Ambegaon, and Khed talukas.
Satyashil Sherkar, chairman of the Shri Vighnahar Cooperative Sugar Factory, expressed his frustration over the government's inaction, asking how many more lives must be lost to leopard attacks before strong measures are taken. He called for immediate and decisive action to tackle the growing leopard problem in the region.
