Elusive leopard in Kovai caught after 30-day hunt, freed into forest

The trapped leopard was later translocated and let off into the deep jungles in Thengumarahada in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Though villagers frequently spotted the leopard straying out of the forest areas, it could not be captured despite placing a cage over the last one month.

A leopard with its two cubs was frequenting ‘Chennanur’ village near Thondamuthur and preyed on goats and dogs bred by people. As villagers raised demands to capture the animal, the forest department, after confirming the presence of the carnivore, placed a cage in Karadimadai forest beat.

However, the leopard then shifted its location to Molapalayam near Alandurai. Following this, the cage was shifted there a week ago. A dog was kept inside the cage as a live bait to lure the animal.

On Wednesday early morning, villagers heard the roaring of leopard and informed the forest department staff. The forest department staff arrived and found a leopard trapped inside the cage, while the dog remained safe in another compartment.

The leopard was seen ferocious and was constantly hitting the cage. As news of the trapped leopard spread out, people from many local villages came to take a glance at the animal. The big cat was then translocated in a lorry and released into the forests far away from human settlements. The leopard is around four years of age and is said to be in a healthy condition, said an official. The forest departments have also decided to keep track of the movement of leopard for the next few days to ensure that it is safe and copes up with its new habitat.

However, the villagers had again informed the forest department of having spotted a leopard with two cubs in the same neighbourhood. Hence the forest department has stepped up vigil.