NAVI MUMBAI: A female leopard met a gruesome death in Sindhudurg district after being caught in a deadly wire trap, which is used by poachers to illegally hunt wild animals.
The leopard, in search of prey, was trapped in the wire contraption for several days in the Dodamarg range, and died due to starvation, as per the autopsy. It was found hanging from the trap which was laid on a slope in a private dense forest area.
Forest officials said that the menace of wire traps is serious as protected animals are falling prey to it. Range forest officer, Vaishali Mandal said, “The trap does not have a flat surface underneath. Our team, after completing procedural formalities, visited Ker village again. Anyone wishing to share information regarding those who laid the trap should contact us. The informant’s name will be kept confidential. The informant will also be rewarded.”