Leopard In Tamil Nadu Home: Big Cat's 12-Hour Stay Ends, CCTV Captures Quiet Exit

The CCTV cameras captured the footage of the leopard moving quietly out of the house in Coonoor located near a reserve forest area.

The officials said that bursting of firecrackers on Diwali morning could have been one of the reasons for big cat's stay

Source : Twitter/@ANI

A leopard, pursuing a dog, strayed into a residence in Coonoor located near a reserve forest area, and remained inside the house for over 12 hours before discreetly departing during the night, as reported by authorities on Monday. The presence of the leopard caused panic among the residents and six individuals, including a woman living in the house, got injured as they attempted to chase the animal.

According to PTI, Forest Department officials said that the six persons who suffered injuries included four Fire and Rescue Services personnel and a man who was part of the rescue operation. The man fell down during the rescue attempt and sustained injuries. A pet dog was also injured after it was attacked by the leopard.

All the injured are being treated at a local hospital. One of the injured firefighters was transferred to Coimbatore for further medical treatment.

On Sunday, the Forest officials placed two cages outside the house to catch the big cat. The Forest and Fire and Rescue officials reportedly found it difficult both to trace and drive the cat out of the house, as reported by PTI. However, they then ensured to keep all exit and entry doors open and directed the inmates of the house and the people gathered to leave the place in order to allow the animal to go away.

Later, the CCTV cameras captured the footage of the leopard moving out of the house quietly.

The officials said, "The bursting of firecrackers on Deepavali morning in the neighbourhood on Sunday could also be one of the reasons why the animal chose to stay put indoors."

Situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor, near Ooty, is renowned for its picturesque mountain ranges.