Forest officials from Thane are in a fix after images of a leopard sitting on a rock close to the forested area of Ghodbunder Road has gone viral creating a scare in residential areas. However, forest officials have claimed that the leopard is very much in its territory and they will create awareness amongst locals to reduce the panic.

The location where the leopard was photographed is close to Green Square housing society, which is located adjacent to the forest area on the Ghodbunder Road near Suraj Water Park. "What is interesting is that those staying close to this place are not scared as they know that the leopard is in the forest area. Talks about how the leopard was seen close to D'Mart are just rumours," said KP Singh, chief conservator of forest of Thane. Singh added that his staff was also regularly patrolling and that there was no reason to worry.

"We will tell locals about the dos and dont's. The people should keep their areas garbage-free to ensure that there are no stray dogs, which might attract the big cat," he said.

Pawan Sharma, founder of RAWW, an NGO, said that they have been working on carrying out awareness among people staying close to forest area. "We are planning to meet the residents of buildings in and around Green Square park and are also trying to tell all those contacting us that there was no need to worry or panic as the leopard is in its territory."

Wildlife biologist Dr Vidya Athreya said, "Spreading awareness in the neighbourhood close to this forest patch should be a priority. The leopard should just not be bothered and trapping it would be completely illegal."