Leopard that killed 25-30 cattle in villages near Nagpur captured at Waghoda after two months

A leopard that had kept people in several areas around Nagpur sleepless for about two months has finally been caught by the Forest Department. A department team captured it safely at Waghoda village on Tuesday. Villagers breathed a sigh of relief as news spread that the leopard had been caged.

According to information from the Forest Department, the leopard had preyed on nearly two and a half dozen cattle, about 25 to 30 animals. Repeated attacks and its movement into human settlements had left people fearful.

For about the past two months, the leopard had been moving continuously in Waghoda village and the Dorli, Gavna, Garanda, Pipla and Hingna areas, leaving villagers distressed. Several incidents of livestock loss were reported during this period.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the Forest Department stepped up surveillance in the area and took the necessary steps to catch the leopard. Finally, the department's team carried out a rescue operation and captured it at Waghoda.

After the rescue, the leopard was sent to the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) for a medical examination and necessary treatment. It is currently under the observation of TTC officials.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Vinita Vyas guided the operation and Assistant Conservator of Forests Govinda Luche coordinated it. Forest Range Officer Rahul Shinde, Deputy Range Forest Officer Jeevanprakash Mende, and forest guards Prakash Kalekar, Akshay Jadhav, Shivshankar Pillewan, Suraj Bele and Deepali Nanhe, among others, also played an important role in the rescue.

Forest Department officials said the health of the captured leopard is being monitored continuously. Once it is fully healthy and the medical formalities are complete, releasing it safely into a natural habitat will be considered.

Keeping the safety of villagers in mind, the Forest Department's patrolling and surveillance in the area is still continuing.