CANACONA
A leopard was rescued from a well at Shelim-Loliem on Saturday after it struggled the entire night to keep itself afloat in the well.
According to sources, dogs and pigs were noticed fleeing from the site and locals suspected that a leopard was in the area and in search of prey.
“There was some more commotion in our area after a huge sound was heard from our neighbour’s well at about midnight. We suspected something must have fallen into the well. We were afraid to come out as we suspected that a leopard may have attacked and taken away pigs and dogs from our area,” informed a resident.
On Saturday morning, a local then noticed a leopard struggling in the well and alerted forests officials at the Hathipal Rescue Centre of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Forest (Wildlife) RFO Anand Mestri said they had received a call at 8.30 am from a resident of Shelli-Pollem stating that a leopard had fallen into a well.
“We immediately arranged a rescue team and equipment and went to the site. A male leopard of about 5 years old was seen struggling in the well. The rescue operation began at 9.30 am and within 15 minutes, we managed to rescued the animal. The leopard was later released in the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary,” said Mestri.
A resident Marchon Fernandes claimed that leopards have been frequently sighted in the locality.
“They have killed dozens of pet dogs and we complained every time, but no action was initiated from the forest department. I have myself saved our pet dog at least five times in the recent past, but coming out in time after getting alerted to the hysterical cries of our dog,” said Fernandes.
“We expect the forest department to catch these leopards straying into residential areas as they are not only a threat to domestic animals but people are also living in fear,” he added.
