A leopard trapped inside an 80-90 feet well in a cornfield was rescued by the Forest department after an intense operation.

The incident took place in a cornfield in Motala town, in Buldhana District, in northern India’s Maharashtra on February 25.

Visuals show the leopard sitting in a narrow space inside the well, trying to avoid falling. Locals and officials gather around, preparing for the rescue using a cage and ropes. They lower a cage secured with ropes into the well, but the leopard growling cautiously, takes a long time to enter. Initially, they keep the cage at a distance, then gradually bring it closer to the animal. Officials use a wooden stick and shine lights to encourage the leopard to step inside. At one point, the leopard slips and falls into the well while attempting to enter the cage. It struggles for a few moments before finally stepping inside. The officials then carefully pull the cage out of the well.

The leopard, still active, is covered and transported safely. Later, the cage is seen placed on a vehicle in the wild. Once the gate is opened, the leopard runs off into the jungle.

In an interview with Newslions, Rajesh Sirsat, Forest guard in Motala, Buldhana, stated that the cornfield belonged to Asif Sheik, a farmer. Asif had spotted the leopard in his field multiple times and alerted officials, but since there was no proof, it went unnoticed. In the early hours of February 25, he heard strange noises but ignored them. Later that morning, while trying to turn on the motor, he discovered the leopard inside the well. He drained some water and immediately alerted the forest guard.

Rajesh and RFO Padole, along with two other officers, arrived at the scene. By 5 p.m., the forest department rescue team reached the spot with the necessary equipment.

After an intense one-and-a-half-hour operation, the team successfully rescued the leopard. Following a medical examination, the animal was safely released into the wild.