A male leopard was found seriously injured in a hit-and -run motor accident on the Nagar-Kalyan Highway No.61, near Ale village in Pune district.

The incident took place on Sunday night and passers-by on the highway on finding the unconscious feline, informed the Forest Department.

Along with the officials of the Department, a team of five rescuers from Wildlife SOS also rushed to the spot.

The Forest Department staff immediately started controlling the crowd which had gathered to catch a glimpse of the animal. Meanwhile the critically injured leopard was carefully shifted to the nearest Forest Department nursery where Wildlife SOS veterinarians conducted an on-site examination and emergency treatment.

The six-year-old male leopard was given fluid therapy and antibiotics and later moved to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for intensive care.

Sharing details about the leopard, Dr Nikhil Bangar, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS said: “While no internal injuries were detected during the medical examination, we suspect paralysis due to nerve damage as the leopard is unable to move its hind limbs. A more in-depth examination will help determine the extent of the injury.”

Reacting on the incident, Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS observed: “Leopards are nocturnal animals and hence their activity at night is maximum. With little or no provision for wildlife corridors or underpasses in and around city limits that allow wild animals to cross roads or railway tracks safely, many unsuspecting animals put their lives at risk while navigating the roads and often fall victim to vehicular or train collisions.”

Indian leopard is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.