Panther trapped in Mysore residential area

Mysore, Sept 17 : Forest officials and residents trapped a panther that entered a residential area in Mysore, on Tuesday.

The animal was discovered inside the KC Layout residential colony, which is located near the Chamundi Hills.

Police and forest department officials were immediately informed and the operation to catch the panther started.

The panther tried to take shelter in bushes and even charged at people, injuring some of them.

After struggling for some time, the animal was finally trapped.

A forest department official said the cat would be sent to the Mysore Zoo.

The panther, which sustained injuries, is being treated.

In recent years, incidents of wild animals straying into urban areas have increased owing to a loss of habitat and increased human encroachment in forest areas.

The lack of a natural habitat frequently results in entry of beasts to human settlement.

It is illegal to kill big cats in India. They are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1972.

ANI