Kolhapur : A 50-year-old farmer was grievously injured in a bear attack in Waghane village near Koynanagar in Satara district on Sunday evening, while a leopard attack on another farmer in Shahuwadi taluka’s Barki area heightened fears among villagers amid repeated big-cat sightings.
In the other incident, a leopard allegedly attacked 45-year-old farmer Sanjay Kotkar when he took his cattle into a forested area near Barki village. Villagers have also reported repeated leopard sightings in Barki, Kante and near Kotkarwadi, including one sighting around 6.30pm on Sunday, according to forest officials. He is reported to be in stable condition,” a forest official said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
Helwak forest range officials said farmer Anand Hari Ballal suffered severe leg injuries in the bear attack around 4pm. The residents said they were increasingly reluctant to venture into fields, particularly at night for irrigation work, urging the forest department to take immediate steps to ensure their safety. Range forest officer Kishor Aher said forest personnel and the rapid rescue team were tracking the leopard and efforts were under way to capture it. “We appeal to villagers not to approach, chase or attempt to capture the animal if spotted and to immediately inform the forest department by calling up on 1926,” Aher said.
“The bear suddenly emerged and attacked him while he was in the field. Ballal was rushed to the Helwak Primary Health Centre and later shifted to a hospital in Patan for further treatment. The frequent movement of the big cat has heightened concerns among farmers and livestock owners. Download the TOI App.