Leopard Attack on Pet Dog Triggers Panic in Netravali Village
Panic has gripped the residents of Nunem in Netravali, located in Sanguem taluka, after a leopard attacked a pet dog last week. The incident occurred on the balcony of local resident Abhijit Desai's house, where the dog was kept. The attack was captured on CCTV, intensifying concerns among villagers who have reported repeated leopard sightings in the area during evening hours.
Repeated Incidents and Heightened Fears
According to Abhijit Desai, this is not the first such occurrence. A similar incident took place in the second week of January this year, when another leopard attacked his pet dog on the same balcony. Desai provided the CCTV footage from both incidents to forest guards at Netravali, urging for immediate action. Villagers in Netravali have noted that leopards are frequently seen on village roads shortly after dusk, raising alarms about safety.
Residents have called on the forest department to enhance night patrolling and implement stronger safety measures to prevent further wildlife encounters. Authorities are expected to review the situation and take appropriate steps to address the growing threat.
Increasing Leopard Sightings in Canacona Taluka
Meanwhile, leopard sightings have surged in Canacona taluka, particularly in areas such as Poinguinim, Agonda, Loliem, Patnem-Colomb, and Chaudi. A councillor from Patnem attributed this trend to habitat loss and a shrinking prey base, which are pushing the animals closer to human settlements. In these areas, leopards have been killing pets and attacking livestock, causing distress among locals.
For instance, recently, a leopard lifted a pig from the pigsty of Peter Fernandes in Gotcamolem, resulting in a financial loss for him. This incident underscores the broader issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Urgent Calls for Safety Measures
The repeated attacks and sightings have led to urgent appeals from the community for more robust interventions. Residents are demanding that the forest department not only increase patrolling but also explore long-term solutions to mitigate wildlife conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the critical need for balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife in Goa's rural areas.
