Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DV)

Udupi, Jul 5: A leopard which strayed out of the forest area in search of food fell into an open well near Karavalu Marne here on Saturday July 5.

According to sources, Jayanthi Nayak, wife of Sadananda Nayak, who went to fetch water from the well heard a roaring sound. When she peered into the well, she sighted the leopard fallen inside and immediatly informed the people in the vicinity.

As soon as the news spread, curious people flocked to the well, but police stopped them from going too close as the well has no protective wall.

Udupi reserve forest officer Prakash Poojary along with his team and Manipal police who arrived at the spot began a rescue operation.

The forest department continued the rescue operation for more than an hour.

Finally, the rescue team inserted two wooden logs into the well, and the leopard, after two failed attempts, crawled out in the third attempt and managed to escape into the forest.

Fire service personnel were also involved in the operation.