Baripada: A leopard created a stir as it strayed into this town Friday morning. The animal was spotted in Bhanjpur locality of this town in Mayurbhanj district. After locals informed the Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a team was promptly dispatched to conduct a rescue operation. Wild animals are often sighted in the area as the place is close to Similipal National Park. The team found the big cat on the premises of Budhikhamari Primary School and immediately cordoned off the area with safety nets. The team then carefully tranquilised the leopard captured it and shifted it to a transportation cage.
A preliminary examination conducted by officials determined that the leopard was a male, estimated to be four to five years old. “The animal is currently under observation and will soon be released into a suitable location away from human habitation,” informed an official. WTI state project head Rudra Mahapatra said, “Considering the safety of the leopard and the public, a decision was made by the Forest department and our team to tranquilise and relocate the animal.
Our team is currently monitoring its condition closely and administering sufficient hydration.” People who had spotted the leopard early in the morning heaved a sigh of relief after it was captured. They pointed out that the school was shut otherwise it could have been a harrowing experience for the students.
