Female leopard accidentally trapped in net by villagers in Himachal’s Jogindernagar
Jogindernagar: In a dramatic rescue operation on Tuesday, October 1, a female leopard was safely rescued by forest officials after being trapped in a net in Sajhed village under Urla Forest Range, part of the Jogindernagar Forest Division. Villagers had set up the net to protect their crops from wild animals, but it inadvertently trapped the leopard.
The villagers immediately alerted Range Officer (RO) Shivam Ratna of Urla, who swiftly coordinated a rescue team to handle the situation.
Forest team’s quick response
Shivam Ratna, accompanied by Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Deepak Verma, retired professor Rajendra Kishtwaria, Beat Officer Kamal Kishore, forest guards Naresh Kumar and Ram Krishna, and watchman Durga Das, arrived at the scene around 4 pm to assess the situation.
Using a tranquilliser gun, the team sedated the leopard to ensure a safe rescue. Once immobilised, the leopard was moved to a roadside area for a thorough medical examination.
Leopard in good health, no major injuries
During the medical check-up, it was confirmed that the female leopard was in good health, with no significant injuries except for minor skin abrasions from the net. After receiving first aid, the animal was declared fit for release.
The rescue team successfully released the leopard into a secluded forest area at around 9 pm, ensuring its safe return to the wild. The operation, which lasted for nearly five hours, was carried out smoothly without any complications.
Jogindernagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kamal Bharti confirmed the incident and praised the team’s prompt response and effective handling of the situation.
