THANE, Dec. 16 -- Forest Department teams from the Badlapur Forest Division have been carrying out an intensive search operation for the past week to trap two leopards spotted near residential areas in and around Badlapur, triggering fear among residents. The presence of the big cats came to light after CCTV footage showed them attacking dogs, goats and chickens in the vicinity. Following repeated incidents involving pets and livestock, the Forest Department has advised residents to avoid venturing into village outskirts and forested areas after dark. A Forest Department vehicle has also been deployed to make public announcements to alert people about possible leopard sightings. Leopard sightings in Kalyan and surrounding regions are not uncommon, particularly near forest stretches leading to Haji Malang, Badlapur, Neral, Matheran and Malshej Ghat. These areas, surrounded by dense forests, have traditionally served as leopard habitats. In November 2025, leopards were spotted in Waholi and Ron villages in Kalyan, close to Ambeshiv, where the latest sightings have been reported. In 2022, a leopard attack in Chinchpada village left three people seriously injured. Residents and experts have attributed the increasing human-leopard conflict to rapid urbanisation. "I would not blame the leopards for entering residential areas. Humans have intruded into their habitat," said Ashish Tiwari, a resident of Mohan Palms, Badlapur. "Earlier, Badlapur was known for its greenery and pleasant climate, which attracted people to settle here. However, extensive construction in forest areas has destroyed the natural habitat." Regional Forest Officer Sanjay Dharwane said traps have been laid near Ambeshiv village and surrounding areas, but the leopards have so far evaded capture. "Shepherds often take their livestock into forest areas, and the leopards may have followed these herds at night. So far, one goat and one dog have been killed in Ambeshiv," he said. Vaibhav Valimbe, range officer, said the movement pattern of animals suggests they entered from Kalyan and are gradually moving towards Badlapur....