Balasore: A leopard was found dead after being trapped in an illegal snare laid for bushmeat hunting in Swarnachuda reserve forest under Nilagiri forest range of Balasore wildlife division on Tuesday morning.
Discovery and Response
The carcass of the big cat was spotted by locals in the forest area near Kathagochi panitanki under Mahishapatta panchayat. They alerted the forest officials. Nilagiri forest range officials reached the site, secured the area, and started an investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to forest department sources, the leopard is suspected to have strayed from the nearby Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary and entered the Swarnachuda reserve forest late on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, villagers reportedly heard the animal’s growls and discovered it was trapped in a wire snare allegedly laid by poachers. Despite efforts to rescue, the leopard died before it could be freed, sources said.
Official Statements and Post-Mortem
DFO Prafulla Kumar Mallik said the leopard was an adult male around 8 to 10 years old. A veterinary team conducted a post-mortem at the site to determine the cause of death. The report will confirm whether the leopard died solely due to injuries caused by the snare or from other complications, the DFO said.
Investigation and Action
A joint task force team has been deployed to investigate the wildlife crime. Forest officials suspect the trap was illegally laid by poachers targeting wild boar and other animals. The forest department launched a search operation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Strict action will be taken against wildlife offenders involved in illegal hunting activities, he said.
