Leopard attacks forest ranger during rescue transfer in Nepal

A leopard that had been rescued in central Nepal attacked a forest ranger during a transfer process on September 10. The incident occurred in the Lamjung district while officials were attempting to move the animal from a transport cage to a larger enclosure at the local Forest Office in Besisahar.

The leopard, which had been found in a weakened state near Dhung Khola, managed to break through its cage door despite having been administered a sedative. During the struggle, 57-year-old ranger Buddhijang Gurung sustained injuries to his left arm and face. He was subsequently transported to the Besisahar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The escape caused significant panic among bystanders and local residents near the Besisahar market. Forest officials and police deployed barriers and cages to contain the animal, and a specialized team was called to immobilize the leopard using tranquilizer darts. The animal was eventually sedated and secured.