An adult leopard which fell into a well at Ambalakunnu village near Meppadi in Wayanad district in the early hours of Monday was rescued by officials of the Forests and Wildlife department. The animal was later released into the Muthanga forests.
The 10-year-old feline reportedly fell into the well on the premises of the residence of M. Abdurehiman at around 2 a.m. while chasing a dog. The family members rescued the canine after hearing its cries. An hour later, they were alerted by the growl of a wild animal and found the leopard in the well.
The Meppadi police and the wildlife department were informed.
The Fire and Rescue Services also reached the spot. After a tedious rescue operation lasting over 12 hours, the leopard was taken out the well. Arun Zakaria, veterinary surgeon attached to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, administered the tranquiliser. The leopard was found to be in a healthy state. There were no injuries. The wild cat was taken in a cage and released into the forest at around 5.30 p.m., he said.
Meppadi Range Officer N. Rajesh said the habitat at Ambalakunnu and surrounding places was conducive for wild animals to stray into the residential areas and attack domestic animals. However, it was for the first time that a leopard had fallen into a well in the area, he said. Local people said the forest authorities had been alerted about wild animals, particularly leopards, moving into the neighbourhood and attacking domestic animals. Several goats and dogs had been killed in the last few months, they said.
A large number of people including a few tourists had gathered in the area to witness the rescue operation.
Story by http://www.hindu.com
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