A young male leopard caused panic among residents of Monyakeng, near Wesselsbron in the Free State, when it was spotted in the area on Tuesday.

Local veterinarian Dr Johan Jacobs was called to the scene and the leopard was successfully tranquilised. The animal was then transported to a secure location, where it will be temporarily held before being released back into its natural habitat.

@farmersweeklysa A young male leopard was safely captured and relocated after it was spotted in Monyakeng, Wesselsbron on Tuesday. Full story on www.farmersweekly.co.za #FarmersWeeklySA #agriculturetiktok #wildliferescue #leopard #wesselsbron ♬ original sound – Farmer’s Weekly SA

The leopard, estimated to be between three and four years old and in excellent condition, likely came from the Vredefort Dome area, explained Jacobs.

He added that the animal was probably seeking new territory after being ousted by older, dominant leopards.

Jacobs also noted that in recent years, there have been unconfirmed sightings of a leopard in the surrounding areas, including Kroonstad, Allanridge, and the Wesselsbron district, suggesting that this may be the same animal.

Read the original article on Farmer’s Weekly.