Updated: February 6, 2014 2:53:48 pm
Locals said the leopard fell into the trap around 4.45 am.
A leopard was trapped at Khadakpada area, Aarey Colony, on Friday morning. The three-year-old big cat fell into a trap that was set up on the road leading to the Aarey VIP guest house.
Locals said the leopard fell into the trap around 4.45 am. The forest department’s rescue team from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), as well as forest officers from the Thane division, reached the spot around 6.15 am and transported the leopard to the national park.
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“The leopard kept roaring, and would charge and hit against the cage rails each time people came close. Locals flashed torches at the animal,” said Kunal Chaudhari, a volunteer who helped in the rescue operations.
According to the forest department, traps in Aarey and Powai had been laid 10 days ago, following repeated complaints by Powai residents about a leopard being spotted in the area. “We studied the animal’s movements and realised that it was moving too close to populated areas. We then laid the traps,” said K P Singh, chief conservator of forests (territorial), Thane.
The four traps in Aarey and two in Powai laid by the forest department were reportedly deactivated after the leopard was trapped.
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The 31-kg animal was examined by the SGNP’s veterinarian and declared fit to be released. The leopard will soon be released into the forest by the department.
On October 1 last year, a 4-year-old girl was killed in Khadakpada after she was attacked by a leopard.
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