Leopard sightings spark panic in PernemBig Cat Knocks Down Scooterist At Arambol

Mapusa: Frequent sightings of leopards in the densely populated areas of Pernem, have created a panic among local residents. Over a dozen sightings have been reported at various places in Pernem over a short period of time.

A 24-year-old hotel management student, Asaf Nicholas from Arambol, was attacked by a leopard while returning home on his scooter in Agarwada on Thursday night. The leopard, attempting to cross the road, collided with his scooter on the Chopdem-Agarwada hill. Both the leopard and the scooter fell. Nicholas, though only sustaining minor injuries due to his helmet, was shaken by the encounter and sought help from a nearby hotel.

Two days ago, a leopard was captured on camera entering the premises of the Shree Bhagwati temple in Pernem, with dogs seen chasing the big cat.

During the same time period, another incident, also captured on CCTV, showed a leopard entering the courtyard of a house in Mandrem.

Less than a month ago, a black panther was sighted in Askawada, Mandrem. This wild cat entered the gallery of Balkrishna Gaonkar's house and attacked a pet dog, an incident also recorded on CCTV. The forest department has already rescued two leopards in cages in Pernem.

The escalating number of incidents has caused widespread alarm among residents and have urged the forest department to take decisive action to address the situation and ensure public safety.