Stray leopard remains elusive on first night

The efforts of Forest officials of laying a trap to capture the leopard that had strayed into human habitat in factory premises in Belagavi did not fructify on the first night.

Much to the disappointment of officials, employees and residents of the residential colonies in Hindalco factory, in particular, the cage remained empty when verified on Saturday morning.

The forest officials had placed the cage in the forest area some distance away from the residential colonies in factory premises and kept a watch by a team of forest staff. They had kept a dog in the cage to attract the leopard coming in search of prey, but the feline remained elusive. The officials will continue with their efforts for next couple of nights anticipating to capture the wild animal that had strayed into human habitat said an official.