Leopard Captured After 3-Day Scare in Gujarat’s Valsad, Dumlav Villagers Get Relief

Residents of Dumlav village in Gujarat’s Valsad district breathed a sigh of relief after a leopard that had been roaming near the residential area and attacking domestic animals was captured by the forest department on the third day after a trap cage was installed.

The leopard, estimated to be around four years old, was trapped on Friday night in the Bhagat Faliya area of Dumlav village in Pardi taluka, where it had reportedly preyed on chickens and a dog earlier this week.

Leopard entered residential area in search of prey

According to local residents, the leopard had entered the village about five days ago in search of food and attacked poultry and a pet dog, triggering panic among villagers.

Following the incidents, Dumlav sarpanch Prakash Patel informed the forest department, which immediately deployed a cage in the affected area.

After remaining in place for three days, the cage successfully trapped the leopard on Friday night, drawing a large crowd of villagers to the site.

Forest department conducts medical examination

Forest officials took custody of the leopard and conducted a medical examination with the assistance of a veterinary doctor. Officials said the animal would be released into a suitable forest habitat after the necessary procedures are completed.

The capture has brought considerable relief to residents, who had been living in fear since the leopard sightings began.

Villagers claim more leopards are still in the area

Residents of Dumlav and neighbouring Ambach village claimed that two to three leopards continue to roam along the boundary between the two villages.

This is not the first such incident in the area. Local residents said that two leopards were captured from the village two to three years ago, raising concerns that the surrounding forest belt continues to witness regular leopard movement.