News & Pics: Pareekshith Shet

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jul 20: A leopard, hunting animals for food got stuck in a noose placed to catch wild pig at Kalmanje, Moodubelle. Locals who saw the animal informed the forest department. The forest department officials saved it after injecting tranquilizer.

The leopard which came looking for food, was struggling to save its life after getting caught at night. Locals alerted the forest department in the morning. The officials, who came in the evening after about twelve hours, untied the noose after injecting tranquilizers and took it away. The animal had meanwhile become sick. The officials refused to tell the people about its health condition.

Hundreds of people gathered to see the animal. People expressed anguish that the officials took too long to arrive.

The leopard was seen at Moodubelle for sometimes. As it had hunted hen and dog, people were anxious. Locals say that the forest department had taken no action even though they had complained about it.

People and school children feel scared to walk about due to its presence. As forest area is destroyed, the wild animals come to villages looking for food. Local people urge that the animals should be caught in the cage.

The risk of attacks by leopard has increased in the vicinity. The forest department needs to take suitable action so that people may live without fear.