Leopardess and Cubs Spotted Near Khargone Village, Hyena Marks Found
Panic has spread among residents of Chhalpa village and surrounding areas in Khargone district. The village sits about 18 kilometers from the district headquarters. Reports confirm the movement of a leopardess along with her cubs in this region.
Forest Department's Search Operation
Forest Ranger Rajesh Randhave provided details to the media. He stated that the team discovered leopard pugmarks during their investigation. They also found fresh paw marks of a hyena in the same area.
"We acted on information from villagers," Randhave explained. "Our search operation led us to set up a cage on Saturday evening. We placed it near Rajesh Patidar's field."
The forest department checked the cage on Sunday morning. They found the bait untouched. Fresh hyena pugmarks appeared around the cage. The team continues to monitor the area closely.
Local Residents Report Sightings
Gopal Patidar, a local resident, shared his observations. He noted that leopard movement has been noticed for the past four to five months. The first sighting came from a labourer named Motiram.
Motiram claimed to see a leopard with two cubs. This sighting raised immediate safety concerns. Several labourers living in makeshift huts in the fields had to relocate. They moved to fenced farmhouses, known locally as badas.
Safety Advisory from Authorities
The forest department has issued a clear appeal to villagers. They urge everyone to remain alert at all times. People should avoid venturing into fields alone.
This caution applies especially during early morning hours. It also covers late evening periods when visibility decreases. The department emphasizes community cooperation for safety.
Residents continue to report unusual animal activities. The combined presence of leopard and hyena marks adds to their concerns. Authorities maintain vigilance while investigating these wildlife movements.
