Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 23: A three-year-old male leopard that accidentally fell into a well at Santhoor near Mudarangadi in Padubidri was successfully rescued by forest department personnel on Friday.

The leopard fell into the well located in the yard of Lakkadakatta Karunkara Poojary’s house. Around 11 am, Karunakar discovered the animal when he went to draw water. He immediately alerted the local gram panchayat and the forest department.

Forest officials arrived in the afternoon with a cage and conducted a rescue operation. The leopard was safely brought out of the well and later released into the reserve forest near Kollur. The rescue attracted hundreds of onlookers from the locality.

According to reports, the leopard had been chased by a family the previous night after it tried to prey on a domestic dog. It is suspected to have fallen into the well while chasing a cat. Residents stated that the area is frequented by leopards and wild bison, leaving locals fearful of venturing out.

The rescue operation was led by deputy conservator of forests Gururaj, with the assistance of Varija Nayari, Akhilesh, Keshav, Manjunath, Sharan, and the department’s driver. Gram panchayat president Namita, members Ravindra Prabhu, Shivarama Bhandary, David D’Souza, PDO Muthu, and accounts assistant Shivaram were also present during the operation.