PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar
Panic gripped villages adjoining the Corbett National Park after a leopard, which had strayed into human habitation for food, climbed a jackfruit tree nearly 25 feet tall to save itself from the gathered crowd. Upon being informed, the Forest department team, led by the SDO, Sandeep Giri and wildlife veterinarian, Dr Dushyant Sharma, rushed to the spot and tranquilised the animal after a three-hour-long tense operation. Later, it was released into the forest.
The incident occurred at Shivlalpur Riunia village, where a female leopard entered the residential area early Tuesday morning. The villagers said that the leopard had attacked a pet dog. As people gathered and began shouting, the big cat, sensing danger, climbed a nearby jackfruit tree and perched at a considerable height.
After nearly three hours of effort, Dr Sharma tranquilised the leopard perched on the tree. As the animal fell to the ground, it was medically examined.
Giri said that the leopard is approximately three-and-a-half years old. Initial health checks found it to be in normal condition, he said.
Following the rescue, the leopard was released into the Aampokhra forest area under the Terai West Forest Division.
