Rising Leopard Encounters in Nashik: Forest Department Issues Safety Alert for Residents

With increasing leopard sightings around Nashik, forest officials urge caution  use torchlights at night, keep surroundings clean, and follow safety steps to avoid human–wildlife conflict.

Nashik| December 1, 2025: As human–wildlife conflict rises in Nashik district, the Maharashtra Forest Department has issued a public advisory urging residents to take precautions against unexpected encounters with leopards. The alert follows a surge in sightings and reported incidents involving big cats in populated and rural areas.

Officials emphasized that during late hours, people should carry a torch and a walking stick if venturing outdoors. They also asked communities to ensure cleanliness around homes and farms  overgrowth, stray animals or unprotected cattle often attract leopards searching for food.

In recent weeks, there have been multiple alarming events: a leopard entered a dense residential zone in Nashik city’s Kamgarnagar–Satpur area and had to be tranquilised by a forest team after residents raised the alarm. Several people and two forest guards were injured during the capture.
Additionally, the forest department and police held a coordination meeting to strengthen response systems. Under the plan: teams would conduct mock drills, expand use of traps/cages, install more surveillance cameras and improve communications between villagers and forest staff.

For long-term safety, the department has proposed establishing permanent wildlife‑rescue centres in Nashik and nearby regions. These centres would handle captured or injured leopards and prevent their release back into human habitats.

Authorities also request locals to remain calm but alert, avoid rumours, and immediately report any leopard sighting to help lines or nearby forest officials.

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