Uttar Pradesh, 06 January 2026 (UTN). An adult female leopard was successfully rescued in a collaborative operation led by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife SOS from Havispur Bigas village located in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. The female leopard was found trapped in a mustard field with her left forelimb caught in a jaw trap.
The distressed leopard was first spotted by local farmers working in the field, who immediately alerted the forest department upon noticing the animal in pain and distress. Reacting to the urgency of the situation, Wildlife SOS’ Rapid Response Unit was immediately alerted on their emergency hotline (+91 9917109666). An eight-member team of expert rescuers and a veterinary doctor from the NGO accompanied by forest department officials, promptly reached the site to assess the situation.
The rescue operation, which lasted for nearly four hours, required careful planning and precision to ensure the safety of the feline. Following all the necessary precautions and protocols, the leopard was successfully freed from the trap and secured inside a transport cage. An immediate on-site medical assessment was done and treatment was administered. The leopard was kept under medical observation and treatment for nearly a day. Once deemed fit, the big cat was released back in Badkala forest range in Shivalik, Uttar Pradesh.
*Adarsh Kumar, IFS, Conservator of Forest- Meerut Zone, said*, “Poachers often covertly set up such traps in and around agricultural fields to catch wild animals, placing unsuspecting farmers and animals at risk. The prompt response by farmers and swift joint action by our team and Wildlife SOS ensured that the animal was rescued safely without any harm. The forest department remains committed to addressing any such human-wildlife conflict.”
*Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said*, “Such rescue operations highlight the importance of timely reporting. The leopard endured immense pain due to the jaw trap, and we are relieved that she could be rescued and released back in the wild where she will continue to thrive.”
*Baiju Raj M.V, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, added*, “The illegal use of jaw traps by poachers continues to pose a grave threat to wildlife across India. These cruel devices are designed to clamp shut with immense force. Their use is prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The successful outcome of this operation reflects the efficiency and preparedness of both Wildlife SOS and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.”
*Providing medical insight, Dr. Rahul Prasad, Wildlife Veterinary Officer at Wildlife SOS, said*, “The female leopard sustained superficial injuries on her left forelimb. She was administered on-site treatment including necessary pain management. After closely monitoring her appetite and movement activities, she was released back in the forest, away from human habitation.”
By nature, leopards are shy and elusive animals and their primary instinct is to avoid human contact. With unwarranted invasion of their natural habitat leading to habitat fragmentation, leopards are continuously struggling to find a foothold in the vanishing forests. This, in turn, forces them to seek prey in the form of livestock and dogs, closer to human settlements. The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a Schedule I species, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red Data List.
Shresatha Pachori
Senior Press Officer
Wildlife SOS
Senior Press Officer
Wildlife SOS
