Kundapura: Leopard Killed After Being Struck by Train

Kundapura: A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning at approximately 5 am, when a five-year-old male leopard was killed after being hit by a train at the railway bridge over the Souparnika River in Badakere.

Forest officials believe that the leopard likely ventured out from nearby forest and plantation areas in search of food and was struck while crossing the railway tracks. Local residents promptly informed the forest department officials, who quickly rushed to the scene to assess the situation.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Prakash Poojari, Kundapura Range Forest Officer Raghavendra Naik, and Beat Forest Officer Rammappa, along with other staff members, were involved in recovering the leopard’s carcass. A post-mortem examination was conducted to ascertain the cause of death, and the last rites were performed at the Kundapura Range Forest Department’s Vandsde Depot.

Notably, this incident marks the second time a wildlife casualty has occurred at this specific railway bridge. On February 2, 2021, a rare blackbuck was also killed after being struck by a train at the same location. Such recurring incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding the safety of wildlife crossing railway tracks in the region.

The unfortunate death of the leopard underscores the urgent need for measures to protect wildlife in areas adjacent to railway lines. As discussions around wildlife conservation continue, local authorities may need to explore solutions to prevent future tragedies.