A female leopard has reportedly carried out nine attacks on people in the forests of Aarey colony in a span of 50 days. (File photo) The Thane territorial division of the forest department on Wednesday captured a female leopard, fourth in the last three months, in the Aarey forest on Wednesday night. In a span of last 50 days, Aarey colony has reported nine incidents of leopard attacks on humans.
Of the three leopards the forest department had trapped earlier, two were released back into the forest as the rosette patterns on their skin did not match with the animal which attacked the Aarey residents.
Assistant conservator of forests, Thane territorial range, Girija Desai told the Indian Express: “There have been 11 attacks on humans in a span of three months by the leopardess. We have trapped a female leopard on Wednesday evening. In all probability, she is the same one who has been attacking humans. We will take her to our rescue centre and match the rosettes with the images of the attacking one. But we can give a confirmation only on Thursday on whether this one was behind the attacks or not.’’
The spate of attacks had created fear among the people of Aarey, many of whom sent messages to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray too. Following this, Shiv Sena started taking steps to create awareness among locals.
Ajay Pradhan, a Sena member, said, “This leopardess was trapped at 7.45 pm. Locals are saying that this is the same one that has been attacking humans.”
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