WATCH: Leopard That Had People Confined To Their Homes In Fear For 4 Days Captured In Bengaluru's Kundlu

It is to be noted that the elusive big cat had been roaming the vicinity for the past four days, causing a sense of unease among local residents

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Forest Department officials captured the elusive leopard in the Kudlu Gate area of Bengaluru on Wednesday (November 1). This feat comes after an earlier incident in which a veterinarian was attacked while attempting to sedate the leopard, which had strayed from the wild and was spotted near Electronic City in South Bengaluru. The report, cited by news agency PTI, disclosed that the leopard had managed to flee into the dense vegetation after a sharpshooter had fired a tranquilizer dart at it. The injured veterinarian was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

VIDEO | Forest Department officials have captured the elusive leopard in #Bengaluru's Kudlu Gate area. pic.twitter.com/WIiw48a2N6

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 1, 2023

It is to be noted that the elusive big cat had been roaming the vicinity for the past four days, causing a sense of unease among local residents. On October 29, the leopard was observed entering an apartment complex in Kudlu, sparking fear and concern among the community. In response, the Forest Department initiated efforts to capture the leopard, deploying cages and drones as part of an intensive search operation. Furthermore, experts from Mysuru were summoned to assist in the animal's capture.

Leopard spotted in Cadenza apartment 1st floor in Kudlu Gate #bangalore #bengaluru #leopard #kudlugate #alert pic.twitter.com/CaKeIFDESk

— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) October 30, 2023

Finally the leopard has been captured & rescued safely from the human beings by the @aranya_kfd officials & marshals at Kudlu in #Bengaluru https://t.co/drkA8w1Quq pic.twitter.com/UZSfBUhyxw

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) November 1, 2023

An official told PTI: "For the past five days, we were searching for a leopard near the Kudlu Gate, which comes under the KR Puram range. It was spotted at an apartment and other public places. Today, it attacked our doctor (veterinary doctor) Kiran and another staff member. They were grievously injured. When it was finally found, again it jumped on to one more person, so a bullet had to be fired. Yes, a bullet was shot. As per rules, we have the authority to shoot. Chief Wildlife Warden had given permission to shoot it (leopard). The permission (to shoot) was taken after it attacked two officers earlier in the day. The death is confirmed".

VIDEO | "For the past five days, we were searching for a leopard near the Kudlu Gate, which comes under the KR Puram range. It was spotted at an apartment and other public places. Today, it attacked our doctor (veterinary doctor) Kiran and another staff member. They were… pic.twitter.com/WStky7yKAA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 1, 2023

A senior forest official stated, "Our teams are currently on-site, conducting a combing operation. Despite an attack on a veterinarian during a tranquilization attempt, we remain committed to capturing the elusive leopard. The operation is ongoing, and we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our personnel and the animal. We are hopeful of a successful resolution," as reported by PTI. 

The veterinarian, who sustained a minor injury when attempting to sedate the leopard, was reported to be in stable condition. The leopard had scratched him on the neck during the sedation process, according to the report. 

The area where the leopard was last seen is in close proximity to Bannerghatta National Park, suggesting that the animal may have ventured into the city from there. The capture of the elusive leopard brings relief to the local community, which had been living in fear due to its presence.