Leopard caught in boar’s trap rescued by Forest Department personnel in the Nilgiris

According to the Forest Department, the leopard, which was around three-years-old, got ensnared in a trap laid to capture wild boars. Tribal villagers noticed the leopard lying down in the trap around noon and informed the Forest Department officials. 

“The animal turned aggressive as it couldn’t escape the snare,” said a Forest Department staff. 

The leopard was then tranquilised by forest veterinarian NS Manoharan using a dart gun. The Forest Department staff then removed the snare around its body. 

“It was a risky operation. Except minor bruises, the animal did not suffer any major injuries. The leopard was given medication to overcome the stress it underwent in its attempt to free itself from the snare,” said a senior Forest Department official. 

The leopard was then taken in a cage to a different spot, revived and set free into the wild. Meanwhile, the Forest Department initiated an inquiry into the incident to trace the identity of those who had laid the trap. “The purpose of the trap is not known. We believe it could have been set to capture wild boars. However, the leopard got trapped instead,” said the official.