Davanagere : A leopard injured in a road accident and found struggling by the roadside along National Highway 48 attacked forest department personnel during a rescue operation near Anagodu in Davanagere taluk. The leopard suddenly pounced on a forest staff member, injuring his hand. With the assistance of wildlife veterinarians, the animal was later tranquilised and safely captured.
He was immediately shifted to a hospital, forest sources said. Forest personnel rushed to the spot and began efforts to rescue the leopard. However, distressed and in pain, the animal turned aggressive and attacked a home guard attached to the department, injuring his hand. Following the attack, the rescue operation was carried out with extreme caution. A wildlife veterinarian from Hosapete tranquilised the leopard, after which it was safely captured using a net. As the animal had sustained injuries in the accident, arrangements were made for treatment. It is likely to be shifted to the wildlife rehabilitation centre at Tyavarekoppa in Shivamogga.