Wildlife officers from Nallathanniya reported that the body of a leopard was found this morning (10 Feb) in the upper section of the Kotiyagala Estate in Bogawantalawa, after it was caught in a wire snare set on a tea bush.
Officials suspect that the snare had been deliberately placed to trap the leopard, which had been roaming the estate and preying on dogs and cattle kept by estate workers.
It is reported that during its struggle to escape, the leopard’s neck had become entangled in the wire, leading to its death.
The Bogawantalawa Police, who inspected the site, discovered several other snares set up in the tea plantation and removed them.
The leopard’s body has been presented to the Hatton Magistrate’s Court and will be sent to the Randeniya Veterinary Office for a post‑mortem examination.
Wildlife officers added that investigations are underway, with police assistance, to arrest those responsible for setting the snares. (Newswire)