Bantwal: Trapped Leopard 'Spotted' by Locals, Rescued by Officials
 
Pics: Karthik Studio, Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (RD)
 
Bantwal, Aug 8: A leopard trapped in a snare laid for wild boar in a plantation at Kajottu in Kavalamudoor village near here was rescued by forest personnel, on Sunday August 8 afternoon.
 
The plantation belongs to a certain Sesamma. The leopard was found on Sunday morning by some locals. The animal tried to get out of the trap and in the process got entangled and dragged it a few yards. 
 
The locals reported the news to the forest department, who in turn informed the authorities of Pilikula Biological Park, Mangalore.

The wildlife experts from the Park reached the location at around 11.30 am.  Veterinary doctors administered anesthesia to the leopard and released it from the trap. Later, it was safely transferred to their enclosure and transported to the Park, where it will be kept under watch for a few days.
 
Jayaprakash Bhandary, director of Pilikula Biological Park informed that the leopard was a four-year-old female. Examination by the experts revealed that it had delivered cubs a few days ago in the wild and might have strayed into the inhabited area that lies in the vicinity of Kodialmaley Reserve Forest near Vogga, here, in search of food, since it is monsoon season and difficult to get prey in the wild. 
 
The director confirmed that the leopard seems fine, although it had been entangled and gasping for breath in the trap. There are some visible wounds caused by the trap that will heal in time. It will be kept under observation for a few days, before its allowed to roam freely in the sanctuary.