Leopard rescued from wire fence near Kundapur

Udupi: A coordinated effort by forest department officials and veterinarians led to the successful rescue of a four-year-old female leopard trapped in a protective wire fence near Asodu in Kundapur.According to Dr Yashaswi Naravi of the CARE Wildlife Wing, the leopard had strayed into the backyard of a poultry farm and got entangled in a wire fence erected by the owner after repeated loss of chickens. On receiving information, forest officials rushed to the spot and sought assistance from the police. A veterinary team comprising Dr Yashaswi, Dr Meghana Pemmaiah, rescuers Rahul J and Mayur G, Dr Vineeta and Akshay N Shet, the founder of Uchhu Trust (Udupi Snake in the City), was mobilised.The leopard was darted and sedated by Dr Meghana, after which the team safely extricated the animal from the fence. After administering necessary treatment, the leopard was released back into its natural habitat.The operation was led by RFO Raghavendra Naik and monitored by DCF Ruthren.Dr Yashaswi said, "Unlike in many such situations where panic escalates, people here acted responsibly. The police managed the crowd effectively, ensuring minimal stress to the animal during the rescue."