Pune: Wagholi Residents Alarmed as Leopard Sighted Again
Wagholi, 25th October 2024: Residents of Wagholi were alarmed after a leopard, previously spotted four days ago in the Bhadale Wasti area, was seen again early this morning near the Decathlon Sports store. The leopard, which attacked sheep during its visit, was captured on mobile camera footage by the store’s staff. This second sighting has heightened fears among locals.
The leopard reappeared in the early hours, attacking sheep near the Decathlon store. Security guards at the store managed to film the animal with their mobile phones as it roamed the vicinity. The presence of the leopard in a growing residential area like Wagholi has left citizens worried. The leopard fled into nearby farms, and its tracks have been found in multiple locations.
Upon receiving reports of the sighting, officials from the Pune Division of the Maharashtra Forest Department arrived at the scene to investigate. They found numerous leopard footprints during their inspection.
Residents have called for the installation of a cage to capture the animal. Dnyaneshwar Shivale of the Forest Department confirmed that leopard prints have been found in the area, and the animal has been seen nearby. The department plans to install cameras to track the leopard’s movements before setting up a cage, pending necessary approvals. In the meantime, citizens are advised to remain vigilant.
