Leopard Attack In Shahapur Sparks Panic After Cow Killed, Highlighting Rising Man–Animal Conflict In Thane District

A fresh leopard attack in Shahapur taluka of Thane district has once again brought the growing issue of man–animal conflict into sharp focus. A cow was killed after being attacked by a leopard on the night of January 2 near Pachghar–Rasalpada Math in the Dolkhamb division, sparking fear and anxiety among local residents.

The incident has renewed concerns over human safety, livestock protection and the lack of adequate preparedness to deal with wildlife incursions in one of Thane’s most sensitive forest-border regions.

Cow Mauled Inside Cattle Shed

The cow belonged to Bhau Godambe, a local farmer from the Gunde–Dehane gram panchayat area. According to villagers, the leopard entered the cattle shed under the cover of darkness and attacked the animal, killing it on the spot before disappearing into the nearby forested area.

Residents said the suddenness of the attack has left farmers fearful of letting their cattle out after dusk, with many worried that repeated incidents could eventually pose a threat to human life as well.

On the morning of January 3, Forest Guard Desale and his team visited the site, conducted a panchnama of the carcass and advised villagers to remain cautious, particularly during nighttime hours.

High Leopard Concentration In Shahapur

Forest department records indicate that Shahapur taluka is home to 15 to 16 identified leopards, making it one of the key leopard habitats in Thane district. The Dolkhamb region has the highest concentration, with nine to ten leopards believed to inhabit areas including:

• Ghatghar hydel project (Chondhe)
• Ajobadevi temple zone
• Banjara Wheel (Kathorepada)
• Belavali
• Gunde
• Washala
• Kothare
• Sathgaon

These regions form part of traditional wildlife corridors that connect forest patches across Shahapur, Murbad and Kasara.

Seasonal Movement Brings Leopards Closer To Villages

Wildlife trackers explain that leopards follow traditional forest routes while moving in search of prey. During the sugarcane harvesting season, leopards often migrate toward deeper forested zones where cover and prey availability improve.

However, once harvesting ends, the animals usually return via Ghatghar, Kasara and Murbad routes, bringing them dangerously close to rural and semi-urban settlements in Shahapur. This seasonal movement significantly increases the likelihood of encounters with livestock—and, in extreme cases, humans.

Unverified Claims Of Leopard Releases

There has also been local speculation that some leopards rescued earlier and housed at the Junnar rescue centre near Pune may have been released in or around Shahapur after behavioural conditioning. While these claims have intensified anxiety among villagers, the local forest department has clarified that no concrete evidence exists to confirm such releases in the area.

Officials, however, acknowledge that the root cause of rising conflict lies elsewhere.

Shrinking Forests, Rising Conflict

Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion—both government-led and private—are steadily shrinking forest cover in and around Shahapur. Roads, power projects, housing developments and industrial activity have fragmented wildlife habitats, forcing leopards to venture closer to human settlements in search of food.

With prey bases depleting and natural corridors disrupted, cattle sheds and farms have become easy targets for these predators.

Lack Of Dedicated Rescue Infrastructure

Despite Shahapur being recognised as a leopard-sensitive zone, sources say the forest department lacks a dedicated rescue team and adequate equipment in the area. This hampers swift response during emergencies such as livestock attacks, leopard sightings within villages, or potential human-leopard encounters.

The killing of yet another farm animal has reignited questions about wildlife management, human safety, and long-term conservation planning. Villagers are demanding stronger preventive measures, improved monitoring, and faster compensation mechanisms to address losses caused by wildlife attacks.

A Warning Sign For The Future

While leopards play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, the growing overlap between wildlife habitats and human settlements has made Shahapur one of the most vulnerable regions in Thane district.

Residents fear that unless proactive steps are taken—such as strengthening rescue infrastructure, protecting forest corridors and increasing awareness—the next incident may not spare a human life.

For now, the leopard attack serves as yet another reminder that coexistence without planning can quickly turn into conflict, with devastating consequences for both people and wildlife.