Nagarkurnool: A leopard was found dead under suspicious circumstances at Chinnagandi village under Kollapur mandal in the district on Wednesday evening.
The carcass of the leopard was found close to the Kollapur – Amaragiri road and soon after noticing it, local villagers informed the forest officials.
As few people were cultivating maize and other crops in the area, it is suspected that the leopard might have died due to electric wires installed at a few places. However, forest officials ruled out any foul play.
The claws and canines were intact and hence it was not about poaching. Similarly, there were no injuries on the body, hence electrocution has ruling out. If it was poisoned, maggots and houseflies would not have infested the carcass but here there were many on the body, said a forest official.
“As per preliminary investigation, veterinary doctors said the cause of death could be natural. Taking no chances, blood and other samples have been sent to Central Forensic Lab for further investigation. Once the report arrives, the exact cause of death can be determined,” the official added.