Leopard trapped in poacher’s snare in Angul forest, dies after rescue

A leopard was found trapped in a poacher’s snare inside the Karatapata Section forest of Angul district on Tuesday, prompting an urgent response from the Forest Department. The big cat is believed to have fallen into the snare earlier in the day and remained stuck as officials initiated rescue operations.

Forest personnel reached the site soon after receiving the alert and began sustained efforts to free the leopard. As of the latest reports, the animal was still active. Officials were evaluating whether tranquillisation would be necessary or if a safer method could be employed to release it without causing harm.

The incident has raised questions over how poachers managed to set traps inside a protected forest area without detection. Locals and wildlife observers expressed concern over vigilance lapses, calling for stronger patrolling and accountability from forest authorities.

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Rescue teams continued to monitor the leopard’s movements while preparing the necessary equipment to ensure a safe and injury-free release. Efforts were ongoing at the time of reporting.

Updates

According to reports, the animal had fallen into the wire trap on Monday night and remained ensnared until local villagers spotted it the following morning and alerted authorities.

Forest officials reached the spot and freed the leopard from the wire trap. However, the animal succumbed shortly thereafter, officials confirmed.

Questions Raised Over Cause of Death

Villagers have expressed concern over the circumstances that led to the leopard’s death. Some alleged that an overdose of tranquillisation may have contributed to the fatality, noting that the animal was active and attempting to move even while trapped.

Others believe the prolonged entanglement through the night may have caused serious internal injuries, ultimately proving fatal. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Patrolling Lapses Under Scrutiny

The incident has once again highlighted gaps in forest surveillance. Residents questioned how poachers were able to lay snares in a protected area without detection and why the trapped leopard went unnoticed until around 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

Sources said the animal died while undergoing treatment after being rescued.

Inquiry Ordered

Forest officials stated that an inquiry has been initiated to identify those responsible for placing the snare and to determine the sequence of events leading to the leopard’s death. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.