Gurugram, Aug 29 (PTI) Mohammadpur Gurjar, a hamlet in the foothills of the Aravallis, is reeling from panic as two leopards are prowling the area, locals said on Saturday.
They said the leopards have also snuck into livestock enclosures and killed three calves, putting locals on edge, as they are now abstaining from venturing towards their fields after dusk.
Forest officer Khajan Singh said reports of livestock being preyed upon by leopards in Mohammadpur Gurjar village, in Gurugram’s Sohna tehsil, have come to the department’s notice, and necessary measures will be taken to ensure safety of villagers and cattle from wild animals.
He said the Aravalli hills are home to several predators and the forest department keeps the area under surveillance.
For past several days, two leopards have been spotted in the vicinity of inhabited areas, and villagers suspect the animals descended from the Aravalli hills in search of water and prey.
Villagers said leopards have long prowled regions surrounding the Aravallis, but their movement near inhabited areas has increased over the past few years.
They said at least two leopards have been seen wandering around the village at night.
Livestock owners are most terrified due to the big cat threat. Villagers said some of them are staying awake during the night to keep watch and protect cattle from the leopards.
High-powered lights have been installed around livestock enclosures while farmers are patrolling their fields and sheds at night, carrying large torches.
Lalaram, a local herdsman, said leopards have snatched away three of his cattle — two female and a male calf. PTI COR ARB ARB
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