NANGAL, May 16– A young leopard trapped on a tree along Bhakra Road triggered panic in the town Friday morning, drawing a crowd and prompting an emergency response by the wildlife department.
The animal, estimated to be about a year old, had reportedly killed a dog in the area late Thursday night. In retaliation, a group of stray dogs attacked it, forcing the leopard to flee and climb a roadside tree, where it remained stranded.
Wildlife officials arrived on the scene and used a tranquilliser gun to safely sedate the animal before bringing it down.
“The leopard had visible injury marks, likely from the altercation with the dogs,” said a forest department official. “We’re shifting it to Chhatbir Zoo near Chandigarh for medical care and observation.”
According to animal activist Prabhat Bhatti, the situation was worsened by a crowd of onlookers who blocked potential escape routes.
“A large number of people had gathered around the tree, which left the animal with nowhere else to go,” Bhatti said.
Authorities managed to clear the area and carry out the rescue operation without incident. The leopard’s condition is stable, and it is expected to recover under veterinary supervision.
