A six-year-old male leopard was rescued from a village in India.

The Punjab Wildlife Department conducted a 12-hour operation to retrieve the wildcat and bring it to safety in Morinda, Punjab, on September 23.

Footage shows men carrying the sedated animal and placing it in a vehicle.

Villagers noticed footprints in their fields last month and saw the leopard wandering around the area two weeks ago.

Upon spotting the feline atop a tree, the locals immediately called to rescue it. The team managed to track and tranquilise the animal.

Local media reported that leopards have been attacking and killing individuals in the country. Statistics estimate that there have been 551 deaths from leopard and tiger attacks over a span of 20 years.