The cage set up by the Forest department after residents reported sighting of a leopard inside a tunnel in a private land in Bedadka grama panchayat in Kasaragod on Wednesday evening.

The Forest department has launched an operation after residents spotted a leopard inside a tunnel in a private land in Bedadka grama panchayat in Kasaragod on Wednesday evening.

To prevent the animal from escaping, the department has placed a cage at the entrance to the tunnel. Meanwhile, the leopard was suspected to have been caught in a snare, said K. Ashraf, Divisional Forest Officer, Kasaragod. Efforts are also on to bring the animal out using a tranquiliser dart. A team of veterinarians from Kannur would be arriving at the spot soon, sources said.

The tunnel is part of a water supply system. The department is yet to issue an official statement.