Maharashtra Races to Curb Escalating Leopard Attacks

In the past year, Maharashtra has seen a concerning rise in leopard attacks on humans, with 12 people killed so far in 2025. As forests continue to shrink, forcing the big cats into closer proximity with human settlements, the state's forest department is taking urgent action to address the escalating leopard-human conflicts.

To tackle the issue, the department is setting up rapid leopard rescue squads, comprising over 200 personnel, equipped with specialized vehicles, nets, and cameras to track and capture the straying leopards. The Pune district alone has sanctioned ₹11.25 crore for this initiative. Additionally, the department plans to install 250 live cameras and solar alert systems near human habitats to detect leopard movements and warn residents.

Furthermore, the forest department is exploring a sterilization program for leopards found in sugarcane fields, which have become a common habitat for the big cats as they prey on stray dogs and cattle. With leopard numbers on the rise, the state is also seeking approval to shift some of the animals to the Vantara wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat to ease the burden on the rescue centers.

Addressing the challenges, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), M. Sreenivas Reddy, emphasized the need for improved forest management and providing alternative fuel sources to villagers to reduce their dependence on the forests, which are being rapidly diverted for infrastructure projects.