Davanagere (Karnataka), Sep 8 (PTI) An injured leopard attacked a forest department official on Tuesday while a team was trying to rescue the animal after it was allegedly hit by a car on a highway in the district, officials said.
The incident was recorded and has since been widely shared on social media.
Officials said the injured leopard was found lying on the highway after being hit by the vehicle. After receiving the information, the forest department sent a team to the spot to rescue the animal.
A senior forest officer said the veterinary doctor was trying to sedate and tranquilise the leopard, which initially remained calm. However, a crowd that had gathered nearby started shouting and taking photographs and videos, which they suspect made the leopard aggressive.
Before the sedative could take full effect, the animal suddenly charged at one of the officials, he said.
The video showed the leopard jumping on the officer and knocking him to the ground. His colleagues quickly intervened and used a stick to distract the animal, allowing the officer to get back on his feet.
The leopard then moved away from the officials and ran towards a grassy area beside the highway.
The forest team eventually managed to secure the injured animal and transport it to a hospital, officials said.
The official is a watcher in the forest department. He sustained scratches on his left hand and leg, the officer said.
“He is stated to be stable and has been kept under observation at the hospital for a day. He is expected to be discharged tomorrow,” the officer said.
The leopard is currently receiving treatment at a rescue centre for injuries sustained after being hit by the car and is stated to be stable, officials added. PTI AMP ROH
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