Forest Dept Intensifies Leopard Search Post Bhorwadi Attack

Pune: Following a recent leopard attack on a 17-year-old boy in Bhorwadi, Hiware village, Junnar tehsil, the forest department has initiated a rigorous search operation to capture the animal responsible. Yash Bhor, the victim, sustained minor injuries during the incident on June 16 while outside his home, prompting swift action from local authorities.

Despite efforts, the leopard remains elusive, prompting ongoing monitoring of its movements across Bhorwadi and neighbouring villages. “We are diligently tracking the leopard’s activities and have deployed strategies in line with standard operating procedures,” a forest official confirmed. Yash Bhor, after receiving medical attention for his leg injuries at a rural hospital in Narayangaon tehsil, is now in stable condition. In response to the incident, the forest department has intensified patrols and community awareness to mitigate further risks. However, amidst these efforts, the department has dismissed claims of leopard involvement in another recent incident involving a missing three-year-old girl from Ozar Road, Dhalewadi area, Junnar tehsil. Despite police suspicions and a thorough search by forest officials yielding no evidence linking leopards to the disappearance, concerns about wildlife interactions persist in the region.

Leopard encounters have increasingly become a concern in Junnar tehsil, extending beyond farm workers to include pedestrians on public roads. Sightings near residential areas have prompted heightened vigilance and public reporting of leopard sightings and minor attacks. With ongoing efforts to balance human-wildlife coexistence, the forest department continues to receive and respond to community reports, emphasizing safety protocols and wildlife conservation measures. The incident underscores the need for proactive wildlife management strategies and community engagement to mitigate human-leopard conflicts effectively. As authorities maintain vigilance, local residents are urged to remain cautious and report any wildlife sightings promptly to ensure public safety in the affected regions.