Rourkela: A leopard, which strayed into Gelaibahal village in Bargaon village of Odisha’s Sundargarh district from nearby Runga reserve forest, kept the forest officials on their toes for the second consecutive day on Thursday.
According to sources, pug marks of leopard, which had been hiding behind bushes after freeing its feet tangled in a plastic net, was found near a waterbody. A combing operation is currently on as it is being suspected that the animal might have moved into nearby forest.
A five-member team from Rourkela is also in waiting to tranquillise the leopard if required.
Sundargarh DFO Pradeep Mirase had earlier cautioned villagers against roaming outside as they expected the tiger to come out of its hiding in search of water. The forest personnel had cordoned off the bush with long plastic nets to prevent the animal from entering human settlement. A goat was also used bait to trap it.
