Bicholim: Repeated leopard sightings in human habitation during early morning and late night hours have left locals of Bordem-Bicholim worried.
Locals said sightings since last week have caused panic, particularly among students, commuters leaving for work in the morning and senior citizens who go for walks.
Leopard activity has been reported in Radhanagar, Sudha Colony, Nail Nagar, areas near Shantadurga Higher Secondary School and Shri Datta Temple.
Residents submitted a memorandum to the Forest Department demanding urgent measures. The department has laid
a trap in thick bushes at Radhanagar-Bordem, but the leopard has not been caught. Officials are maintaining vigilance to trace its movement.
It may be recalled that a few days ago a leopard attacked a person at Mulgaon-Bicholim. Another leopard has reportedly been sighted at Bandar-Vhavti. Residents of Vhavti, Naigini, Vishawadi and Kudchirem have also reported sightings during early morning and night hours.
Locals said leopards often take shelter in the hillock area of Vishawadi. In a previous incident, snake rescuer Amrit Singh was attacked by a leopard that had fallen into a trap while he was attempting to cage it for release into the forest.