Bengaluru: In a dramatic four-day operation that involved over 45 forest officials and a specialized Leopard Task Force from Mysuru, an elusive leopard that had created panic in Bengaluru’s Bommanahalli region has been successfully captured. The big cat, which had taken refuge in an abandoned building in the Bommanahalli Industrial Area, was tranquilized and secured in a net before being safely transported to Bannerghatta National Park. The operation was a culmination of intense efforts to locate and secure the leopard after it was initially captured on CCTV on October 28.
A High-Stakes Operation
The operation was fraught with challenges and uncertainties, with forest officials closely monitoring the movements of the leopard in the vicinity of the abandoned building. The leopard’s presence had sparked fear among residents and posed a threat to their safety. On the morning of the successful capture, two tranquilizer darts were fired at the animal, which led to a confrontation where two men suffered minor injuries while trying to protect themselves from the agitated leopard.
A Tense Standoff
Following the confrontation, the leopard continued to evade capture, making it imperative for the forest officials to strategize and ensure the animal’s safe removal. A net was placed around the building to prevent the leopard from escaping, effectively creating a perimeter to contain it. Expert sharpshooters then ascended a JCB to fire additional tranquilizer darts, hoping to sedate the big cat. In a desperate bid to escape, the leopard made a run for it but was captured within the net, finally bringing the standoff to a successful end.
Relief for Residents
The capture of the elusive leopard has brought considerable relief to the residents of the Bommanahalli region, who had been living in fear for several days due to the big cat’s presence. The forest officials’ dedication, expertise, and coordinated efforts ensured that the operation concluded with minimal harm to humans and the animal itself.
Safety Measures and Conservation Efforts
The capture of the leopard underscores the importance of wildlife management and safety measures in urban areas. While these situations can be fraught with risks, efforts to protect both human and animal populations are vital for coexistence. The leopard will now be under the care of authorities at Bannerghatta National Park, where it can live safely within its natural habitat.
This successful operation serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of India’s forest officials and wildlife experts, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of communities and the preservation of India’s rich biodiversity.
Update: Death During Capture
The unfortunate turn of events transpired during the search operation, shots were fired to subdue the animal, which had previously inflicted injuries upon forest officials. The wounded leopard was swiftly transported to a veterinary hospital, where it, regrettably, succumbed to its injuries.
The whole #LeopardinBengaluru saga, where unfortunately, the leopard was shot dead by forest officials is an indication of the reality of our cities today – where man is mindlessly encroaching on the territory of the wild.
Our cities are growing without a care for our…
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) November 1, 2023
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