Suspicion surrounds the death of a leopard cub discovered near a primary school in Bajrakot village under the North Ghumusar Forest Division in Ganjam district, Odisha. The carcass of the approximately one-year-old cub was found by schoolchildren under a bush near the school boundary, prompting immediate alert to authorities.
Officials from the Forest Department reached the spot, seized the carcass, and conducted a post-mortem following guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The examination was carried out in the presence of senior forest officials, veterinary doctors, and local representatives.
Preliminary findings revealed no visible external injuries on the cub’s body. Experts suspect that intestinal parasites may have caused illness, leading to loss of appetite and eventual death. However, samples have been sent for chemical analysis, and the exact cause will be confirmed after detailed reports.
The incident has created concern among residents about the possible presence of the mother leopard nearby. Forest officials, however, reassured the public and stated that there is no immediate threat, while investigation and monitoring continue.
