Bhanjanagar: The State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) has ordered a probe into the death of a leopard which died after being stuck in a trap at Naguda-Manitara area under Buguda forest range in Ganjam district on Friday.
According to sources, the PCCF has directed Berhampur Regional Chief Conservator of Forests to launch a probe into the matter and submit a report mentioning the circumstances under which the big cat died.
Notably on Thursday, a leopard was found stuck in a trap purportedly laid to capture wild boars in Naguda-Manitara area in the district. During the rescue operation by the forest officials, the animal broke the trap and escaped triggering panic among the locals.
Subsequently, forest staff sweeped the region and rescued the trapped animal. Veterinarians examined the health condition of the rescued animal. However, it died inside the cage while being taken to a nearby forest for release into the wild, informed Buguda forest ranger.
The reason behind the death of the animal is still unknown.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)