Leopard Rescued from Poacher's Snare in Korba District Operation
In a dramatic wildlife rescue, forest officials from the Katghora forest division in Korba district successfully saved a leopard ensnared in a wire trap on February 9. The multi-hour operation not only freed the endangered big cat but also culminated in the arrest of a poacher and the seizure of illegal hunting equipment.
Swift Response to Villager Alert
The incident unfolded around 8 pm when alert local villagers notified the Pali Range Officer about a leopard caught in a snare in compartment number P-134 of the Lafa beat within the Pali range. Upon arrival at the scene, the rescue team encountered a distressing sight: the adult male leopard was aggressively struggling to break free from the wire trap, posing a significant risk to both the animal and the responders.
Given the leopard's agitated state, officials determined that chemical immobilization was necessary to ensure a safe rescue. The operation officially commenced at 3 am the following day, with Dr. P K Chandan and his veterinary team expertly administering tranquilizers to sedate the leopard.
Medical Treatment and Safe Release
Once the leopard was safely sedated, forest personnel carefully removed the constricting wire snare. The veterinary team then conducted a thorough medical examination, treating minor injuries sustained during the ordeal. After being declared fit and healthy, the leopard was transported and released into the secure core area of the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, ensuring its return to a protected natural habitat.
Parallel Investigation Leads to Poacher's Arrest
Concurrently with the rescue mission, a determined search operation was launched to apprehend the individual responsible for setting the illegal snare. Utilizing a specialized dog squad from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, forest guards tracked a scent trail from the trap site directly to a nearby village.
This investigation led authorities to the residence of 37-year-old Vijay Kumar Gond. During a search of the premises, officials recovered critical evidence, including matching pieces of the wire used in the snare, along with an assortment of other traps and weapons designed for poaching activities. During subsequent interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime, providing a clear resolution to the case.
This successful operation highlights the critical importance of community vigilance and rapid response by forest departments in combating wildlife crime and protecting India's precious biodiversity.
