Mysuru: A leopard fell into a cage laid by the Forest Department at Hosahalli near Megalapura in Siddaramanahundi last night.

The cage was placed following repeated complaints by the villagers that a leopard was on the prowl in the area.

According to forest officials, the healthy male leopard, aged about five to six years fell into the cage at between 9.30 and 10 pm yesterday.

The cage had been kept near the farm of Dr. Nagaraj around five to six days ago and the foraging feline fell into the trap.

Some villagers had informed the department staff about the trapped leopard and over six forest staff under the leadership of Range Forest Officer (RFO)  H.K. Puttaraju went to the spot last night and covered the cage with sheets so as to not to agitate the feline. This morning, the Forest Department staff took the leopard to Nagarahole National Park, where it was released.