Karkala: Leopard trapped in cage, later released in forest

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Nov 29, 2025: A leopard that wandered near the house of Thimmappa Poojary in Padukuduru, on the Hebri–Karkala border, was successfully trapped by the forest department and later released into the wild.

The animal was spotted sitting near an outer room of the house, apparently waiting for prey. Residents, who heard unusual sounds and noticed the leopard from a distance, immediately informed the forest department.

A team arrived promptly and began the operation using a cage. After nearly two hours of cautious effort, the leopard was safely captured and shifted to the forest.

Forest officials estimate the leopard to be around three years old. Following a medical check-up, it was released into a safe forest zone.

Karkala Range Forest Officer Prabhakar Kulal, deputy range forest officers Karukar Acharya, Chandrakant Pol, Rohini, forest guards, and local residents were involved in the operation.