Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala

Karkala, Apr 14: A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Nitte village’s Borkallugudde area after a leopard fell into an uncovered well, prompting a swift response from forest department officials who safely rescued and released the animal back into the wild on Tuesday.

The incident is believed to have occurred when the leopard wandered into agricultural fields near the house of Kari Poojary while in search of prey, before accidentally plunging into an open well situated close to the property.

The animal’s plight came to light early in the morning when local residents spotted it and immediately alerted the forest department.

Responding promptly, forest personnel reached the spot and launched a carefully coordinated rescue operation, using nets and a cage to safely extricate the leopard from the well. Officials confirmed that the animal was rescued without injury and subsequently released into a nearby forest area.

Forest authorities identified the animal as a male leopard, approximately one year old.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Kundapura deputy conservator of forests Rudran and Moodbidri assistant conservator of forests P Sridhar.

The rescue team included Karkala Range staff led by deputy range forest officer Hukrappa, along with Chandrakant, Karunakar, forest guards Suresh, Prakash, Sridhar, Yamanur, forest watcher Manjunath, driver Vithesh, and other staff members, with crucial assistance from local residents.