A leopard from Kuno National Park in Shivpuri district fell into a well while chasing a calf, causing injuries to two villagers during a rescue operation. The incident took place in Bhilaudi village near the national park’s boundary. The leopard entered a residential area from the forest and pursued a calf grazing near agricultural fields.
Villagers witnessed the chase as the leopard and the calf both fell into the well. The forest department was promptly alerted, and a rescue team from Kuno National Park arrived with equipment to assist. Two local villagers volunteered to help and entered the well to aid the forest officials.
Before the leopard could be tranquilized or captured, it attacked the two men inside the well. Forest officials intervened swiftly, separated the animal, and took the injured villagers to a nearby hospital. Both individuals received immediate medical attention, and their condition is reported to be stable, according to Medical Officer Raju Singh.
Forest officials successfully rescued the leopard from the well without further incident. The animal is currently under observation and will undergo a health check before being released back into the forest. Panic ensued in Bhilaudi after the leopard was seen near homes, prompting the forest department to be informed.
Kuno National Park has been in the news due to cheetahs relocated under the cheetah reintroduction project. Some cheetahs have strayed beyond park boundaries into neighboring districts and even towards Rajasthan in recent months.
