Udupi: A one-year-old leopard cub was safely rescued by the forest department after it accidentally fell into a well near a house in Nitte village, Udupi district.
The incident occurred when the leopard, searching for food during the night, spotted chickens near the house. While attempting to catch one, it fell into an uncovered well. Residents discovered the animal early in the morning and promptly alerted the forest department.
A swift and safe rescue operation
A coordinated rescue effort ensued, involving the forest department and local villagers. A cage and a net were strategically deployed to safely lift the leopard from the well without causing harm. The operation was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) P. Sridhar, along with Range Forest Officer (RFO) Prabhakar Kulal, Deputy RFO Hukrappa Gowda, other forest staff, and supportive locals.
Leopard’s health confirmed
After the rescue, Taluk Veterinary Officer Dr. Vasudev conducted a thorough health check-up of the leopard. The examination confirmed the cub to be in good health, much to the relief of those involved in the rescue.
Community effort lauded
The timely action by the locals and the expertise of the forest department were key to ensuring the leopard’s safety. Such incidents highlight the challenges of human-wildlife interactions in regions close to forests, underlining the importance of coexistence and preparedness.
The rescued leopard is expected to be released back into its natural habitat soon.