Injured cub left in lurch; agitated villagers oppose shifting

While the veterinarians and Forest officials are trying to save the leopard cub that was trapped in a cage on February 10, the villagers are adamant, not allowing it to be shifted, until the mother leopard is trapped.

Experts opine that the health condition of the cub has deteriorated and it should be shifted to the Zoo immediately. But, the residents are opposing the move, hoping that the mother leopard that killed a seven-year-old boy will return in search of the cub.It may be recalled that the leopard had killed the boy, Tejas, on February 5, which was followed by protests by the villagers.

After five days of the incident, a four-month-old leopard was trapped in the cage laid by Forest officials. When the officials attempted to shift the cub, the villagers stopped them saying that they will not allow shifting until the mother leopard is trapped by the department.

It is alleged that the Forest staff had failed to catch the leopard though it had returned to the spot twice.

Forest officials are camping in the village, providing food for the cub and awaiting the mother leopard. It is said that the mother leopard was spotted near the cage on February 12 and the forest staff had tried to tranquilise the big cat with a mild dosage. 

But the alert cat managed to escape and also evaded the net. According to villagers, there was an adult leopard and two cubs near Naganahalli and one among the cubs has fallen in the trap.

However, experts opine that darts should not be used during the night. Though, usually, the mother leopard comes to the rescue of the cub, if it senses danger to its life, it is possible that it moves away from the region, they added.

Infection

Meanwhile, the cub, in its attempt to come out of the cage, has injured itself on its face and claws. Though food is being provided on time, the injuries are infected, as it is not possible to treat the animal.

Experts have been summoned, who have sprayed medicine on the wounds. If it is not treated with antibiotics and shifted from the cage, its life will be at stake, they said. The cub should be shifted to the Zoo and not into the wild, as it is difficult for it to survive without its mother.

But, ACF Manjunath had a different version. He said, the cub is healthy and there is no danger to its life. The cub is being fed with milk, chicken and meat. He clarified that the villagers are cooperating and the cub will be shifted, once the adult leopard is trapped.