‘He put his paw in my mouth, then I…’ The survivor of the Leopard Fight video explained how he fought?

.

.

.

“I Stuck My Hand in Its Mouth”: Survivor Recounts Harrowing Leopard Attack in Mataram Village

A chilling encounter with a wild leopard in Mataram village has left the community both shaken and inspired, as the survivor of the attack, still recovering from his injuries, recounted in vivid detail how he fought off the big cat with his bare hands. The incident, captured partially on video and widely circulated online, has ignited discussions about human-wildlife conflict, bravery in the face of mortal danger, and the urgent need for better wildlife management in rural India.

The Attack: An Ordinary Day Turns Deadly

It was a day like any other for the survivor, whose name is being withheld for privacy. Early in the morning, he set out with the intention of collecting saplings. As he approached a local brick kiln, he noticed a group of villagers standing nearby, engaged in conversation. “I was just going to get a plant,” he recalled, “and saw many people gathered near the kiln. I joined them, not suspecting anything unusual.”

As the group began to disperse, the survivor and a few others made their way down from the kiln. Suddenly, out of the shadows inside the kiln, a leopard sprang forth with a deafening roar. “It came out of nowhere, from inside the kiln,” he said. “It was like a ball of fury, and before I could react, it leapt at us, roaring and attacked.”

The Struggle: Fifteen Minutes of Terror

What followed was a harrowing struggle for survival that lasted nearly fifteen minutes. The survivor described how the leopard immediately went for his throat, attempting to subdue him in the way big cats do with their prey. “It tried to grab my neck,” he recounted, “but I kept fighting, not letting it get a hold. I knew if it got my throat, I wouldn’t make it out alive.”

Despite the leopard’s relentless assault—biting and clawing at his arms and legs—the survivor refused to give up. “It chewed my hand, my arms, my legs, everything,” he said, showing the wounds that still mark his body. “But I just kept fighting. I didn’t let it get to my neck.”

A Community Responds

The commotion quickly drew the attention of other villagers. Realizing what was happening, several rushed to the scene, armed with whatever they could find—mostly bricks from the kiln. “Some of the villagers threw bricks at it,” the survivor explained. “That distracted the leopard for a moment, and I managed to break free.”

But the fight was far from over. As the survivor attempted to escape, the leopard lunged again, grabbing his leg and pulling him back. “It wouldn’t let go,” he said. “I tried everything. Finally, I shoved my hand into its mouth, hoping it would let go. It was biting down hard, but I didn’t stop. I just wanted to survive.”

The Turning Point: A Desperate Gamble

In a desperate bid to save himself, the survivor did the unthinkable—he forced his hand deeper into the leopard’s mouth, using his arm as a shield against its deadly jaws. “It had my hand in its mouth, but I kept pushing, trying to make it gag or release me,” he said. “It just wouldn’t let go. I struggled, kicked, and finally, with the help of the villagers throwing more bricks, it loosened its grip.”

As soon as the leopard released him, the survivor scrambled to his feet and ran, the adrenaline and fear pushing him beyond the limits of pain and exhaustion. “I just ran,” he recalled. “I didn’t look back. I thought, if I stop, it will get me again.”

“Death Was Staring Me in the Face”

The survivor admits there were moments during the attack when he believed he would not make it out alive. “Death was right in front of me,” he said quietly. “I couldn’t see anything except the leopard. My mind went blank, but something inside me just kept fighting. I thought of my family, my children. I knew I had to survive for them.”

When asked if he had ever felt fear like this before, he shook his head. “Never. It came so suddenly, there was no time to be afraid. You don’t think, you just react. If you try to run, it will chase you. There was only one way out—fight.”

The Aftermath: Wounds and Recovery

Following the attack, the survivor was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors treated deep wounds to his hands, arms, legs, and torso. “My treatment is ongoing,” he explained. “There is still bleeding, but it’s under control. The doctors say I was lucky. If the leopard had managed to get my throat, I wouldn’t be here today.”

He credits the villagers’ quick response with saving his life. “If they hadn’t come, if they hadn’t thrown those bricks, I don’t know what would have happened. I am grateful to everyone who helped.”

Human-Wildlife Conflict: A Growing Crisis

The attack has sparked renewed concern about the increasing frequency of human-wildlife encounters in rural India. As forests shrink and human settlements expand, leopards and other wild animals are being forced into closer proximity with people, often with deadly consequences.

Wildlife experts point out that leopards are highly adaptable and can survive in fragmented habitats, but the loss of prey and cover drives them into villages in search of food. In many cases, attacks occur when leopards are cornered or feel threatened, as appears to have happened in this case.

“Leopards do not generally seek out humans as prey,” explained Dr. Ramesh Singh, a wildlife biologist. “Most attacks are a result of surprise encounters or when the animal feels trapped. The key to reducing such incidents is better management of forest edges, awareness among villagers, and prompt response by wildlife authorities.”

Calls for Action

Following the attack, villagers in Mataram have called for increased vigilance and better coordination with forest officials. Many are demanding the installation of warning systems and regular patrols, especially in areas close to forests or abandoned structures like kilns, which can provide hiding spots for wild animals.

“There have been leopard sightings before, but nothing like this,” said a village elder. “We want the government to help us. We need more awareness programs, and people need to know what to do if they see a leopard.”

Bravery and Trauma

While the survivor’s story is one of remarkable courage, it is also a reminder of the trauma that such encounters inflict. Psychologists warn that survivors of animal attacks often suffer from post-traumatic stress, recurring nightmares, and anxiety.

“I keep seeing its eyes, its teeth,” the survivor admitted. “Sometimes I wake up in the night, thinking it’s still there. But I am alive, and that’s what matters.”

A Message for Others

When asked what advice he would give to others who might face a similar situation, the survivor was thoughtful. “Don’t panic. Don’t let it get your neck. Fight with everything you have. And remember, you’re not alone—call for help.”

He also urged local authorities to do more to protect villagers. “We need more support. We need to know how to stay safe and what to do if there’s a leopard nearby.”

Community Support and Healing

Since the attack, the village has rallied around the survivor, providing support and encouragement as he recovers. Local leaders have organized meetings to discuss safety measures and have reached out to wildlife officials for assistance.

“There is fear, but also pride,” said one villager. “He fought a leopard and survived. That takes courage.”

Looking Ahead: Coexistence and Awareness

As Mataram village comes to terms with the incident, experts emphasize that coexistence with wildlife is possible but requires education, preparation, and respect for nature. Simple measures—such as securing livestock, avoiding dense undergrowth at dawn and dusk, and reporting sightings promptly—can help reduce the risk of future attacks.

“We share this land with wild animals,” said Dr. Singh. “If we understand them and take precautions, we can avoid tragedy.”

Conclusion

The story of the leopard attack in Mataram is a stark reminder of the challenges facing rural India as it grapples with the realities of human-wildlife conflict. It is also a testament to the resilience and bravery of ordinary people, who, when faced with life and death, find the strength to fight back.

As the survivor continues his recovery, his story serves as both a warning and an inspiration—a call for vigilance, compassion, and the enduring will to survive.

play video: