An elephant deployed to track down a problematic leopard in Bardiya came under attack from the same animal on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Bardiya National Park, the leopard clawed at the elephant during the operation, leaving it with minor injuries. The incident occurred in Chameli Gauri Community Forest, Madhuban Municipality–2, Sonaha Tole, where the leopard has been roaming.

Five elephants had been mobilised to assist park rangers and division forest office staff in locating the animal.

Park information officer and senior assistant conservation officer Saroj Mani Paudel said the leopard remains inside dense bushes, while technical teams from the National Trust for Nature Conservation are preparing to dart it.

“The elephant sustained minor injuries during the attack. We are closely monitoring the leopard’s movements and will attempt chemical immobilisation if possible,” Paudel said.

Authorities have urged local residents to remain alert, describing the leopard as highly aggressive. The park administration said it is prioritising public safety until the animal is brought under control.

Incidents of leopard attacks on humans have risen in Bardiya in recent months, increasing tensions in communities bordering forests and buffer zones.