Trapped Leopard Breaks Free, Attacks Veterinarian During Rescue Attempt

A wildlife veterinarian sustained minor injuries after being attacked by a Sri Lankan leopard that escaped from a wire snare during a rescue operation in Nawalapitiya on September 16.

The incident occurred in the Wetakepotha area after wildlife officials received information through the 1992 emergency hotline about a leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) trapped in a snare.

Officers from the Hakgala Wildlife Range Office rushed to the location and found that the snare had tightened around the leopard’s chest. The animal appeared to be in good health despite being trapped.

The leopard had moved down a slope while dragging the log to which the snare was attached.

Wildlife officials alerted the Randenigala Wildlife Veterinary Office and, with police assistance, cleared onlookers from the area to facilitate the rescue operation.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., a team led by wildlife veterinarian Dr. Akalanka Pinidiya arrived at the location.

As the team approached the leopard to tranquilize it and remove the snare, the animal became agitated and suddenly broke free.

The leopard then leaped at Dr. Pinidiya, causing scratch injuries, before fleeing into the nearby forest.

According to wildlife officials, the veterinarian escaped without serious injuries, although the encounter could have resulted in more severe consequences.

Officials subsequently recovered a wire snare measuring approximately five feet from the location.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation highlighted that snares remain one of the biggest threats to leopards inhabiting Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

The Sri Lankan leopard is a strictly protected mammal under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Wildlife authorities urged the public not to approach or gather around trapped animals, warning that crowds can cause leopards to panic and tighten the snares around their bodies, making rescue efforts more difficult.

Members of the public who encounter a trapped wild animal are advised to leave the area immediately and contact the wildlife emergency hotline on 1992. (Newswire)

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