A leopard died after falling into a snare set by poachers in Tigiria range of Bhiruda forests in Cuttack district. The carcass of the wild animal was found in the forest on Tuesday morning.
As per reports, the leopard got entangled in a snare wire set up by poachers to hunt wild animals. As the leopard tried to escape from the snare, it inflicted injuries on itself and died.
On receiving information, Tigiria forest officials arrived at the spot. It is suspected that the leopard might have got ensnared on Monday night.
“As per our preliminary investigation, it is suspected that poachers had set up the snare to trap wild animals. After getting trapped, the wild animal managed to escape from the snare but sustained grievous injuries. It later died due to injuries inflicted by the snare wire,” said a forest official.
A case has been registered and further investigation into the incident is underway.
Notably, the carcass of a female leopard was found in the forest two years ago.
Population of leopards is now critically endangered in India. Loss of habitat and prey, as well as intense persecution as livestock killers, is the major threat to this magnificent big cat. They are heavily hunted for their skin and bones supplying the Chinese medicinal trade.
(Edited by Ramakant Biswas)