Leopard seen carrying its kill in its mouth during safari in Pench Tiger Reserve

Tourists on a jungle safari in Pench Tiger Reserve in Seoni district on Saturday morning saw a leopard carrying its kill in its mouth. A video of the sighting has also surfaced.

The video shows the leopard moving along a forest track with the prey held in its mouth. It came suddenly before the tourists, who were thrilled to see it.

Officials of Pench Tiger Reserve said this behaviour of the leopard is natural. A leopard usually hunts alone and then takes the kill to a safe, secluded spot to eat it.

According to wildlife experts, a leopard at times also carries its kill up a tree. By doing so, it protects the kill from other carnivores and opportunistic animals. It has strong jaws and powerful claws, and it can climb trees. For this reason, it can haul even prey heavier than itself up a tree.