Pune: Fourth Leopard Captured in Ambegaon Within 18 Days, Warning Issued to Residents

Ambegaon, 29th August 2024: In a settlement in Ambegaon taluka, a one-and-a-half-year-old leopard was captured in a cage set up by the Maharashtra Forest Department today morning. After the leopard was confined, a female leopard arrived and tried to free it by hitting the cage. As a result, the Forest Department has issued a warning to residents.

This is the fourth leopard to be captured in this settlement in just 18 days. Despite these efforts, leopards are still present in Katwan Wasti and Bighe Wasti, causing ongoing fear and panic among the residents. The sequence of leopard captures began on 12th August with the first leopard, followed by a one-year-old male leopard on 18th August, and a third leopard on 25th August. Farmer Maruti Karbhari Bhor had requested the forest department to re-plant the cage due to the leopards’ continued presence. This led to the capture of the fourth female leopard cub early today.

Maruti Bhor observed the female leopard around the cage at dawn. Upon receiving this information, forest department officials, along with staff and rescue teams, took the leopard cub into custody this morning. Local farmers, along with forest department officers, staff, and villagers, were present during the operation.

This marks the first time that four leopards have been captured in a single settlement within 18 days. The situation remains concerning as Maruti Bhor has reported seeing another female leopard in the area. He also mentioned that two sheep belonging to Santosh Lokhande were killed by a leopard four days ago. The ongoing presence of leopards continues to instil fear among the locals. The community has urged the forest department to install more cages. After the leopard cub was trapped early Thursday morning, the female leopard attempted to break the cage, a behaviour that could indicate increased aggression. The forest department has advised residents to remain cautious.