Bhubaneswar, May 12 -- A leopard reportedly died after getting caught in a poachers' snare inside the Kathagochhi forest under the Nilagiri Range in Balasore district of Odisha. The incident has triggered concern among forest officials and local residents over illegal hunting activities in the region.

According to preliminary information, the leopard is suspected to have strayed from the nearby Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday night before entering the Nilagiri forest area. Forest officials believe the animal may have accidentally walked into a trap laid by poachers.

Locals said they heard the leopard roaring early Tuesday morning, following which several villagers rushed to the spot. They found the animal trapped in the snare and s...