This is with reference to the report, "Leopard caused terror in the heart of Belagavi city" - The Goan Everyday August 25, 2022. The picture of a leopard roaming freely in the Belagavi city certainly sends a chill down one's spine. Yes, it is indeed cause for worry, and understandably, the residents in the vicinity are terrified. The leopard has reportedly strayed from the nearby forest perhaps in search of food. What would they do if they don't find sufficient food in the forest? We need to give a thought to this. Wild cats straying into the residential areas of cities like Mumbai is also common. Here again, it is due to human encroachment on animal territory. Presently, a metro car-shed project has once again been relocated to Aarey, close to the Sanjay Gandhi National park. Clearly, this is fraught with danger. We need to respect animals and give them their due. Or else, they will venture out into residential areas and people will then be caged. So, let's decide whether we would like to be caged or should we stop encroaching on wild territory.
