Escaped Leopard Attacks, Kills Woman

A leopard burst out of its cage at an animal sanctuary and killed a woman Monday morning, then escaped into woods. Deputies shot and killed it hours later as it followed a baited path.

Sheriff John Whetsel said the woman was attacked in a fenced run at the Oak Hill Center for Rare and Endangered Species. The 60- to 70-pound leopard apparently used its weight to force open its locked cage to get into the run.

The body of the 52-year-old woman was found by her son, who works at the center. Her name was not released.

“All I can say is, it was a savage attack,” Whetsel said.

The 7-year-old Persian leopard was shot about a half mile from the center Monday night. Its cage had been baited with fresh meat, as well as the trail that authorities believe it followed into the woods.