Maharashtra farmers use spiked neck bands to avoid leopard attacks
Farmers in Shirur and Junnar, Maharashtra, are now wearing spiked neck bands to stay safe from leopard attacks—a real concern after several fatal incidents over the past five years.
The forest department started this initiative in October 2024, handing out free plastic neck bands with 40mm spikes (designed by Simusoft Technologies) to 3,300 farmers.
According to assistant conservator Smita Rajhans, these bands have proved useful in many instances and are considered an effective safety measure.
Awareness campaigns launched to educate farmers
After a leopard killed a child in Pimparkhed village on November 2, local officials ramped up night patrols and launched awareness campaigns about living safely near wildlife.
The goal is to help people protect themselves and reduce conflicts with leopards through better information and community support.