Manesar residents to be trained to deal with stray wild animals

GURUGRAM: The Forest and Wildlife Department of Gurugram on Friday was successful in safely rescuing a six-year-old leopard that had strayed into the Maruti Suzuki factory in Manesar.

Though there have been repeated sightings of leopards in villages of Gurugram, this is the first time that the wild cat has strayed into a large industrial unit.

Taking cognisance of the increase in sightings of leopards around villages in Manesar, the Wildlife department has decided to take preventive measures in order to check cases of wild animals trespassing into residential or inhabited areas.

The task now lies ahead for district authorities to plan workshops for villagers and industrial units in Manesar, and allay their fear of wild cats.

Along with holding interactions with village elders, authorities are going to teach villagers procedures to ensure a safe escape from wild cats and prevent themselves from being attacked.

As there is only one forest officer for the entire Gurugram district, the Wildlife department has decided to organise camps which will consist of two or more villagers and will, therefore, enable a greater reach.

Taking into consideration that movement of leopards is highest during winters and spring, the Wildlife department plans to conduct these camps till the onset of summer.

"Winter and springs are the seasons when leopards come out of the forests. They do not attack humans, but they do attack and kill dogs and other animals.

"As for humans, it is important they must not cover their faces as it can then lead the leopards to attack them," said a senior wildlife official.

Officials at the Wildlife department have also highlighted that there may be a possibility of increase in population of leopards in the forests of Gurugram.

This may result in more of them venturing into human settlements in search of food and water.