Leopard enters residential area in Pune, rescued five hours later

A young male leopard that wandered into Chikali, within the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), was successfully rescued in a collaborative effort by the Pune Forest Department, RESQ CT Wildlife Rescue Unit, PCMC Fire Department, and PCMC Police Department.

A prompt and well-coordinated rescue operation unfolded this morning, executed by the Pune Forest Department in conjunction with the Wildlife RESQ team, PCMC Fire Department, and PCMC Police Department. The result was the secure capture of the male leopard in the densely populated Chikali area, according to officials.

At around 6:30 am, the Forest Department and Wildlife RESQ CT team received a notification about a leopard sighting in a wood storage shed in Chikali. In response, they dispatched a team for verification and assessment. Nachiket Utpat, Director of Wildlife Management at RESQ CT, stated, “Upon arrival, we realized that the leopard had not entered the shed but had moved through a passage next to it.”

In a short time, the leopard was located in a cattle shed next to a bungalow, situated amidst a mix of residential buildings and small fields. The high human density in the area added complexity to the situation. DCF Mohite of the Pune Forest Department noted, “The location presented unique challenges due to the proximity of human habitation and the dense vegetation that was interspaced in the area.”

Given the risky nature of the situation, conventional methods such as using nets to contain the animal were deemed impractical. The PCMC Fire Department’s Bronto Skylift played a crucial role. “Using the Skylift, the team was able to tranquilize the leopard safely from a height, at a perfect angle, guided by the drone,” she added.

The approximately 3-year-old leopard was sedated by 10:00 am and safely transported to the RESQ Wildlife TTC by the team. DCF Mohite expressed, “Today’s operation was a testament to the effectiveness of teamwork and modern technology in wildlife rescue missions.”