Leopard dies of unnatural causes in Kurseong

Siliguri, Jan 24 (UNI) An adult female leopard was found dead in Trihana tea garden, under Kurseong forest division in North Bengal today.

Sukna Wildlife Ranger Kanchan Banerjee said the eight-year-old leopard might have died due to possible poisoning or some unknown illness. There were, however, several minor, external wound marks on the animal's body.

The feline is being preserved in Taipoo tea garden, as it awaits post mortem that is being delayed due to diversion of medical resources for the bird flu epidemic.

Incidentally, two male leopards had died in a similar way in these reserves, in the last one year.

Four elephants had also died in the region's Mahananda Sanctuary of the area in the past one year.

UNI XC LL PY RAI1910