Forest officials successfully captured a leopard that had been spreading fear among residents near Chundale in Wayanad. The big cat walked into a trap set by the department early on Tuesday morning.
Leopard Enters Trap in Tea Estate
The leopard entered the cage placed in division-7 of the Chelode tea estate. Residents discovered the trapped animal around 5 am. They immediately alerted the forest department.
Three Days of Planning Led to Capture
Forest department officials deployed the cage three days ago. This action followed numerous complaints from local people. The leopard had been straying into human settlements and killing dogs.
Meppadi forest range officer P Biju provided details about the capture. He stated that the six-year-old male leopard appeared healthy upon examination. A forest veterinary surgeon conducted the check-up.
Animal Shifted to Care Centre
Authorities transferred the leopard to the palliative care centre and animal hospice of the police department at Kuppadi. The facility will provide temporary shelter for the big cat.
Forest department officials now face an important decision. They must determine whether to release the leopard back into deep forests. A detailed assessment will guide this choice.
Separate Tiger Sighting Reported
Meanwhile, the forest department conducted another examination in the area. This followed reports of a tiger sighting in a rubber estate near Cheekallur. Officials are investigating these claims thoroughly.
The capture brings relief to Wayanad residents who lived in fear of the leopard. Forest department efforts demonstrate their commitment to managing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
