Leopard rescued in Kerala’s Kannur released into Karnataka forests

Leopard rescued in Kerala released in Karnataka after being trapped, raising concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.

A five-year-old leopard rescued from private land in Kakkayangad, Muzhakkunnu panchayat, Kannur, Kerala was released into the forests of Karnataka on Tuesday (January 7, 2025) morning.

The leopard was trapped in a snare on the property of B.K. Prakashan on Monday, drawing a large crowd and prompting Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163(1) of the Kerala BNSS Act.

The animal was rescued after chemical immobilisation by a team led by forest assistant veterinarian Ajesh Mohandas from the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

“After the doctors certified the leopard as fit for release, it was transported and released into the Karnataka forest area at 5 a.m.,” Kannur Divisional Forest Officer Vysak Sasikumar told The Hindu.

The incident has raised concerns among local residents, who have reported multiple leopard sightings in the region. Forest officials acknowledged that leopards often venture into human habitats near forest fringes. They also noted that attacks by leopards on domestic animals, particularly dogs, are a common occurrence.

To address public apprehensions, the Forest department has initiated awareness measures and urged residents to remain vigilant, the department said.