India, Nov. 10 -- The rise in leopard- sightings and attacks across Shirur and Junnar tehsils has forced farmers to resort to an unusual precaution - wearing spiked neck bands while working in sugarcane fields. The measure, initially introduced by the Junnar forest division in October 2024, is aimed at reducing fatalities during sudden leopard encounters.

According to forest officials, most leopard attacks reported in the region over the past five years have involved the animal grabbing the victim's neck. "In several fatal cases, the leopard grabbed the person by the neck, sinking its teeth deep and causing instant death. Considering this attack pattern, the spiked neck band was designed as a deterrent," said a senior forest official fro...