Leopard attacks biker, forest official in KR Nagar, finally darted and captured

MYSURU: In yet another case of man-animal conflict, a leopard, which had frightened resident of K R Nagar in the district, attacked a motorcycle rider and a forest official on Mullur Road early on Friday when Forest Department officials were making efforts to capture it.

The leopard was first spotted on Mullur Road on Thursday night.

The fully grown leopard was first spotted on Mullur Road on Thursday night and entered the town on Friday morning. Disturbed by people shouting loudly, the animal began to run around everywhere, hiding in thickets and bushes near houses in a residential area.

The leopard was finally darted on a vacant site and captured.

“We got information about the presence of the leopard from locals on Thursday night. The police and Forest Department personnel undertook a combing operation, but they could not spot the leopard. Around 7 am on Friday morning, the animal attacked a motorcyclist. The DRFO also suffered injuries when he went to the aid of the motorcycle rider. We finally managed to dart and capture the female leopard. This is the first time a leopard has entered KR Nagar town. We will release the animal safely in the Nagarahole forest”, said Divisional Forest Officer Seema.

The leopard was taken away to be released into Nagarahole forest.

The Forest Department personnel and the police, with help from some locals, were able to corner the leopard in a vacant residential site and darted it. The wild cat was then captured and taken away to be released into the forest, much to the relief of the town residents.