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Leopard Attack Survivor: Scars Tell a Story, Not My Limit
21 Feb
Summary
- A leopard attacked a young woman in her Mumbai home.
- She sustained severe facial injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
- Urban encroachment fuels conflicts between humans and wildlife.
A leopard attack on December 19, 2025, left 23-year-old Anjali Tak with severe facial injuries. The animal entered her family's apartment in Bhayandar West, Mumbai, while she was asleep, causing extensive damage to her face. Anjali underwent six surgeries, including skin grafting, at KEM Hospital and was hospitalized for over 30 days.
Her recovery is ongoing, with doctors advising rest for six months, postponing her wedding. Anjali expresses empathy for the leopard, acknowledging its hunger and fear, while focusing on her own resilience. This incident underscores the escalating man-animal conflict driven by urban expansion into wildlife habitats surrounding Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
Studies show leopards in these areas increasingly prey on domestic animals and stray dogs. Recent incidents of leopard encounters have been reported in various parts of Mumbai and Thane, indicating a persistent challenge. Anjali, despite the trauma and lifelong scars, remains determined not to let the attack define her spirit.
