Ooty: Efforts are on to rescue a leopard and its two cubs, which fell into a 50 ft-deep well in a farm in Tappinthode near Gudalur, about 90 km from here, today.

Workers heard unusual sounds coming from the well and on looking inside, noticed a leopard and two cubs sitting on the steps of the well at 30 foot, and immediately informed the forest department.

Senior forest officials, along with veterinarian Dr Vijayaraghavan, rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. However, one cub fell into the water and the condition is not known, the veterinarian said.

To prevent the other two falling in the water, officials spread a big net and are also trying to send in a ladder so that the animals could climb up through it. However, the pitched darkness inside is hampering the rescue operations, he said.

Officials are also considering tranquilising the mother and child to bring them up, Vijayaraghavan said, adding the operations will continue with the help of flash lights.