A leopard that was caught in trap and later died of injuries at Maloor in Kannur, on Thursday.
A six-year-old leopard died after being caught in an alleged illegal trap set to prevent wild boars from raiding agricultural crops at KPR Nagar in Maloor here on Thursday (August 20). According to Forest department officials, the trap had been set on the agricultural land of one Ramachandran following repeated raids by wild boars that had damaged crops in the area.
Residents reportedly noticed unusual noises from the property in the early hours of Thursday and, on checking, found a leopard caught in the trap. The Koottiyoor forest range office was immediately informed.
Forest officials reached the spot and, by afternoon, tranquillised the leopard with a dart before attempting to free it from the trap. However, the animal had sustained serious injuries and died while being shifted to a nearby forest station, officials said.
The Forest department has decided to investigate the incident and register a case in connection with the illegal trap set for wild animals. The leopard’s carcass will be disposed of after post-mortem examination.
Officials said the area is located close to forest land, making it easy for wild animals to stray into nearby agricultural fields.
Published – August 20, 2026 07:37 pm IST
