Leopard spotted at Thane's Glaxo company compound

Looks like the torrential rains of the last few days has not only bothered people but even the wildlife in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. While heavy rainfall has forced many people to remain indoors, it has pushed this leopard out of the wilderness into the city. Since Tuesday, the leopard has been spotted at Thane's Glaxo compound.

"The leopard was spotted at 6.30pm by the watchman for the last two days," says an officer from Thane's forest department. "Thankfully, he has not attacked anybody yet. He just walks in peacefully, stays there for two, three hours and goes back," he explains.

The Glaxo company at Thane is on a 60 acre plot, and is usually abandoned. There are big godowns and warehouses in the area giving the leopard enough space to roam around and feel safe. "There is enough vegetation in the compound and the leopard might be finding it safe here to hide during rains," he says.

After receiving a complaint from the watchman, the forest department officers conducted a check on Thursday and found the leopard's pugmarks. "We have fitted four CCTV cameras at the spot and two more which will capture live movement of the leopard," he says. Since the leopard has not caused any damage or casualty, no trap has been laid to catch him yet. "Our men will also patrol the area every evening from now onwards," he says.

The officers have also put up banners warning people about the leopard. "We have asked people not to go there for a stroll in the evening," he says. "In case they see a leopard walk by, there is no need to panic. You can burst a firecracker or beat tin drums and he will run away," he adds.