A leopard was found dead in the protected forest near Kathagochi Panitanki under the Mahishapatta panchayat in Nilgiri block of Balasore district early Tuesday morning.
Local villagers first spotted the carcass and immediately informed the forest department.
Nilgiri Ranger Manwar Khan rushed to the site with his team and secured the area. The news of the leopard’s death spread rapidly, drawing large crowds of villagers eager to witness the rare sight.
Forest officials said the leopard may have strayed from Kuldiha or Similipal forests. Preliminary investigation suggests the death could be linked to natural causes or territorial conflict, but the exact reason remains unclear.
Veterinary experts conducted a post-mortem examination of the carcass. Officials confirmed that the final report will reveal the actual cause of death.
