Leopard cub rescued from tea garden in Matelli, forest officials on high alert

On Saturday, workers in Section No. 10 of Chiloni Tea Garden in Matelli Block, Jalpaiguri district, discovered a leopard cub trapped in a drain during their routine work. The workers immediately reported the sighting to the Forest Department, which promptly deployed the Khunia Squad to the location.

Forest officials secured the area and evacuated all workers, as the mother leopard is expected to return to retrieve her cub. According to the Forest Department, leopards in this region often leave their cubs in safe spots while they hunt, and this cub likely strayed into the drain. The evacuation was necessary to prevent any potential human-wildlife conflict.

The Forest Department has increased surveillance in and around the area, keeping the cub under close observation while ensuring that the mother leopard is not disturbed when she returns. Officials are monitoring the cub’s health and behavior to ensure its safety.

Matelli, located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is known for its proximity to wildlife sanctuaries like Gorumara and Chapramari. This region frequently experiences leopard encounters due to its dense forests and tea gardens that border wildlife habitats. The Forest Department has urged nearby residents and tea garden workers to remain vigilant and avoid the area until the leopard is safely reunited with her cub.