Leopard finds its way inside Haryana society; Rescuers forge an innovative plan to catch it

A leopard that entered a residential society in Sohna, Haryana, was safely captured after a four-hour-long rescue operation, officials reported on Monday. The five to six-year-old male leopard entered the Amol Ashiana Society around midnight, prompting local authorities to alert the wildlife and forest departments.
Wildlife officer R K Jangra explained that the leopard likely entered the society through the basement parking area in search of food or possibly to escape territorial conflicts with other leopards. The animal made its way to the sewage treatment plant within the premises.

The rescue team worked to remove a grill from the sewage treatment plant and set up a cage to trap the leopard. Initially, attempts to catch the animal by making noise were unsuccessful, as the leopard stayed inside. Jangra said the team then sprayed water inside the plant, which caused the leopard to emerge, allowing it to be safely captured with a net.

The leopard was later released into the Aravali forests. According to Jangra, the operation was conducted without injuring the animal, and no residents or team members were harmed during the rescue.

(With inputs from PTI)