Leopard pounces on forest official during rescue after highway accident in Karnataka

A rescue operation took a dangerous turn in Karnataka's Davangere when an injured leopard suddenly pounced on a forest department official.Leopard pounces on forest official during rescue operation A forest official was attacked by a leopard during a rescue operation in Karnataka’s Davangere after the animal was hit by a car on a highway.The injured leopard was found on the highway following the accident, prompting the forest department to send a team to the spot. Officials began the rescue operation and tranquillised the animal to safely secure and move it for treatment.However, the sedative had not taken full effect when the leopard suddenly pounced on one of the officials.A video of the incident shows the leopard lunging at the official and knocking him down as his colleagues rushed to intervene. The other officials used a stick to tap the leopard and distract it, allowing their colleague to get back on his feet. The leopard then moved away and crawled towards a grassy stretch beside the road.Watch the video here: The forest department eventually managed to secure the animal and shift it to a hospital. The leopard is being treated for injuries it suffered after being hit by the car.- EndsPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 11:52 IST