A leopard has tragically died after being ensnared in a trap meant for foxes in Maskeliya. Local residents discovered the animal in distress early this morning and immediately alerted wildlife officials around 6:30 am. Despite their quick notification, it took over four hours for a team to arrive, during which time the leopard succumbed to its injuries.

Residents expressed frustration over the delay, with one noting, "We informed the relevant departments at around 6:30 am, but we didn't get a response until around 11 am. By then, the animal had died."

A spokesperson from the Nallathanniya Wildlife Office confirmed that a team was dispatched as soon as they were informed, but had to wait for a veterinarian from Randenigala due to a shortage of available vets. The spokesperson also noted that the leopard's distress made the rescue efforts more difficult.

This incident follows a similar occurrence a few years ago involving a rare black leopard trapped nearby.