Leopard sightings spark fear at Canacona

Canacona: Leopard sightings in Canacona have increased, sparking fear among residents. Reports indicate leopards prowling near homes, attacking livestock at Loliem, and lifting pets at Poinguinim. Leopards have been seen in areas like Sakrewal (Mastimoll), Char-Rasta, Patnem, Colomb, Poinguinim, Loliem, and Agonda, with CCTV footage capturing attacks on pet dogs and cattle.
On Tuesday night, a leopard took a dog from Yogesh Pagi’s residence. Speaking to TOI, Pagi said wild animals, including leopards, invading villages pose a threat to pets and even children.
“Forest officials have to be more concerned when the incidents are reported. Installing cameras for a few days and asking residents where to set traps for catching the leopards will not help,” Pagi said. He said forest staff should survey the area, identify leopard trails and set the traps.
Range forest officer Anant Velip said they survey and patrol areas soon after complaints from residents. Velip said the same animal may be moving between different locations after patrolling starts.
Sheli locals reported leopards appearing on service roads after 6.30pm, alarming children and night-shift workers, stating that deforestation and human encroachment are driving leopards into villages.
Recently, a leopard chased a motorcyclist near Khawat, Poinguinim. Leopards have also attacked dogs and pigs, including one incident at Sheli where a leopard lifted a dog from a verandah.
In another incident at Agonda, the forest officials fear that leopards are frequenting the govt high school in search of wild animals as prey, as the latter enter the school through a gap in the roof for shelter.
Range Forest Officer, Pissonem range, Narayan Waingankar, said they found traces of a leopard’s smell inside the premises, when they went to rescue a female civeat cat.
RFO Waingankar feels that leopard must have been visiting the school and must be gaining entry from the nearby trees to the small opening to the ceiling to catch the Civeat. Waingankar instructed the school authority to immediately close the open portion of the ceiling for children’s safety.