Junnar, October 15: A remarkable tale of bravery emerged from Thorndale village near Manchar, Maharashtra, where a mother's unwavering courage saved her seven-month-old son from the clutches of a prowling leopard. Sonal Kargal, a shepherdess, demonstrated the extraordinary presence of mind when she encountered the wild animal on the open farm where she and her child were resting, surrounded by their flock of sheep.

In a harrowing turn of events on Thursday night, October 12, in the Thorndale village of Junnar forest division, the leopard seized the infant and attempted to drag it away, prompting Kargal to launch a fearless counterattack. According to a report by the Times of India, startled into action by her child's cries, Kargal fearlessly charged at the feline with screams and hurling stones. Her unwavering courage and quick thinking startled the leopard, forcing it to release the child and vanish into the obscurity of the nearby sugarcane field. Leopard Attack in Nashik Video: Big Cat Pounces on Pedestrian in Gulmohar Colony, Terrifying CCTV Footage Goes Viral.

Miraculously, the infant emerged with minor injuries to his hands and stomach, and his condition was swiftly stabilised by doctors at the Manchar rural hospital. Reflecting on the harrowing encounter, Kargal recounted the traumatic ordeal. The family, unaware of the lurking danger, had chosen to spend the night on the farm, oblivious to the proximity of the leopard-infested region. Smita Rajhans, the range forest officer of Manchar, underscored the perilous existence of the villagers in leopard-prone areas, highlighting the urgent need to discontinue the practice of sleeping in open farms. Leopard Attacks, Carries Away Dog in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar; Horrifying Video Surfaces.

The forest department, taking cognisant of the inherent risks, offers financial aid to families affected by such animal attacks, providing crucial support for medical treatment. The incident comes as the latest reminder of the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. Authorities have been urging vigilance and precautionary measures, emphasising the critical need for awareness and enhanced safety protocols to protect communities living in close proximity to these natural habitats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2023 12:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).