CANACONA: In Canacona, concerns have been mounting over the presence of two leopards roaming the area for the past two months. While the Forest Department successfully trapped the female leopard, the male big cat continues to roam freely.
Residents have been troubled by the growls of these leopards and the disappearance of domestic animals suspected to have been preyed upon by these wild animals. Responding to increasing complaints, the Forest Department installed a cage at Patnem and successfully captured a female leopard last week.
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However, the second leopard remains at large, with locals providing photographic evidence confirming its presence in the area.
While encounters with wild animals are not uncommon in forested regions like Gaondongrim, Cotigao, and Loliem-Pollem, it is surprising that the leopard has been spotted moving along the highway and even in coastal areas of Canacona.
Councillor Shubham Komarpant expressed frustration that verbal and written complaints about leopard sightings were ignored by the Forest Department. “Only when the media reported about it, the department woke up and placed the cage,” he lamented.
Patnem, being a popular tourist destination, experiences significant foot traffic throughout the day and night. Concerns about potential leopard attacks, particularly at night, prompted residents to notify the Forest Department.
Residents of Patnem are dismayed by the removal of the cage after capturing one leopard, especially since the male leopard remains at large.
“We wonder who will be held responsible if anybody loses his life following a leopard attack in the future, given the fact that the male leopard is still moving around freely,” said Komarpant.
