H.D. Kote: A leopard, which had killed about 37 cattle heads, has been successfully trapped in a cage placed by the Forest Department at an agricultural field near N. Belthur Old Gate in the taluk on Tuesday late night.

This leopard had been creating havoc by attacking cattle grazing in fields and killing them. The leopard is said to have killed about 37 cattle heads so far and roaming around the village creating a sense of fear among the villagers, who had urged the Forest Department officials to capture the leopard.

About 20 days ago, the Forest staff had placed a ‘walk through trap cage’ in the agriculture   field of farmer Yogesh. On Tuesday late night, the leopard walked into the cage and got trapped.

Veterinarian Dr. Ramesh tranquillised the leopard and radio collared it, following which it was released inside the forest, according to Forest officials.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Madhu, Range Forest Officer (RFO) Siddaraju, Leopard Task Force personnel and Forest staff were present.