There had been rumours of a leopard roaming the mountains of Phadtarwadi in Koregaon taluka of Satara district for some time. On Monday, around midnight, the wild cat was finally captured on a CCTV camera, confirming the suspicions. The sighting has sparked fear among the locals.
On May 7 this year, a family had spotted a leopard near their house. However, other villagers were doubtful of the sighting. The same family, on June 16, while coming by car from Wathar station, saw a leopard in front of the gate of their house. When they shouted, the leopard took a dog from the neighbouring shed and ran away. This time, the animal was captured on the CCTV camera.
The Forest Department was informed immediately. Meanwhile, farmers in the area have been asked to go to the fields in groups and to carry sticks, axes and torches with them. They have also been advised to play loud music on their mobiles, as wild animals tend to change their routes when they hear noise. Farmers have been told not to plant crops too close to their houses; a 25-30-foot gap should be maintained between the plantation area and the house.
They have also been advised not to sleep in the open or in the courtyard during summer. Fences should be built around homes, proper lighting should be installed, pet animals should be kept in cages and children should not be left alone in courtyards.
Meanwhile, villagers have demanded that the Forest Department take immediate action and rescue the leopard.
